The recent regional forum of the Union for the Mediterranean, held in Barcelona, Spain, saw Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khereiji representing Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan. The Deputy Minister highlighted the need for the Union to step up efforts in promoting regional security, especially in light of the current escalations and conflicts in the region. He emphasized the critical nature of the situation, with ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon bringing the region to a crossroads where decisive action is imperative to prevent further suffering and destruction.
Al-Khereiji expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and Lebanon, stating that the situation has reached an unbearable level. Innocent civilians are being systematically targeted, displaced, and subjected to intentional destruction due to Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law. Saudi Arabia strongly condemned these attacks on civilians and UN personnel, as well as the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and actions affecting the status of Jerusalem. The Deputy Minister called for an end to these measures to prevent the cycle of violence and destruction from continuing.
In an effort to address the situation, Saudi Arabia will be hosting the first high-level meeting of the Global Coalition for a Two-State Solution in Riyadh on October 30. Al-Khereiji emphasized the importance of implementing the two-state solution as a collective international responsibility and the key to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to working with partners to turn the two-state solution from a distant hope into a tangible reality, ensuring the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.
The Deputy Minister stressed that verbal condemnations are no longer enough to deter violence and called for bold and decisive actions to be taken. He highlighted the urgent need for the international community to support international law and promote a two-state solution to prevent further escalation of the conflict and deepen the suffering of the people in the region. Al-Khereiji’s speech at the forum underscored Saudi Arabia’s stance on the issue and its determination to work towards a peaceful resolution that upholds the rights of the Palestinian people and ensures regional stability.
The Deputy Minister’s participation in the forum signaled Saudi Arabia’s commitment to addressing the pressing issues in the region and working towards a peaceful resolution. The Kingdom’s condemnation of Israeli aggression and violations of international law, as well as its call for decisive action and support for a two-state solution, reflect its dedication to promoting peace and security in the Middle East. The upcoming high-level meeting in Riyadh is a clear indication of Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to seeking solutions to the current crisis and its determination to be an influential player in the peace process.
In conclusion, Deputy Foreign Minister Al-Khereiji’s speech at the regional forum of the Union for the Mediterranean highlighted the urgent need for collective action to address the escalating conflicts in the region. Saudi Arabia’s strong condemnation of Israeli aggression and violations of international law, coupled with its support for a two-state solution and commitment to hosting a high-level meeting to further the peace process, underscore the Kingdom’s dedication to promoting regional security and stability. The Deputy Minister’s remarks emphasized the critical nature of the current situation and the importance of taking bold and decisive actions to prevent further suffering and destruction in the region.
