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Saudi Arabia's foreign minister on Saturday called for coordinated international action to safeguard freedom of navigation and argued that any future security arrangements for the region must be comprehensive, addressing the full range of tensions rather than isolated flashpoints.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who is leading the Saudi delegation at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, told delegates that protecting international navigation "is a shared responsibility that requires serious international cooperation." He said Riyadh backs efforts to lower tensions in the region, emphasizing what he described as the necessity that any security framework be all-encompassing.
The Saudi diplomat singled out mediation initiatives led by Qatar and Pakistan, saying such efforts could help restore stability across the region. He did not elaborate on the specific initiatives referenced.
Addressing the situation in the Gaza Strip, Prince Faisal said that blocking humanitarian aid from reaching Palestinians and any attempts to displace them amount to violations of international law.
He further stated that the continued expansion of Israeli settlements, which are considered illegal under international law by the UN and most of the international community, constitutes a serious breach of both international law and international humanitarian law.
On Syria, Prince Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia's rejection of any actions that threaten the country's security and stability, and welcomed Washington's decision to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Turning to Iraq, he affirmed Saudi Arabia's support for the country's sovereignty, security and stability, and stressed that Iraqi territory must not be used as a base for launching attacks against neighboring states.
Prince Faisal's remarks were delivered as part of the annual high-level General Assembly debate, where heads of state and government and senior ministers from across the world address the UN membership on global and regional priorities.
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