On behalf of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince expressed gratitude to the countries that have recognised the Palestinian state and encouraged other countries to follow suit.
RIYADH — Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud said that Saudi Arabia will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without the formation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He made the remarks in an address at the opening of the first year of the ninth session of the Saudi Shura Council on Wednesday, underscoring that the Palestinian issue remains a top priority for Saudi Arabia, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Saudi Press Agency.
“We once again emphasise the kingdom’s rejection and strong condemnation of the Israeli occupation authority’s crimes against the Palestinian people, which disregards international and humanitarian laws,” said the crown prince.
On behalf of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, he expressed gratitude to the countries that have recognised the Palestinian state and encouraged other countries to follow suit.
In the address, the crown prince highlighted that Saudi Arabia is committed to collaborating with all active nations in the global community.
“We believe that humanity’s well-being and the preservation of our shared civilisational values depend on working together for a brighter future. This requires mutual respect for countries’ independence and values, upholding the principles of good neighbourliness and non-interference, and peacefully resolving disputes,” he said.
Regarding the development of the kingdom, the crown prince said that the country has made significant strides “during this transformative period,” with non-oil activities accounting for 50 per cent of last year’s real GDP.
Saudi crown prince, Iranian FM discuss regional developments
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud met with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in Riyadh, discussing the latest regional developments and bilateral ties, local media reported.
During his visit, Araghchi also held a meeting on Wednesday with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, during which they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and reviewed regional developments and efforts made for de-escalation, reports Xinhua, quoting the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The SPA reports provided no further details on the two meetings.
Iran and Saudi Arabia formally declared in April of last year the resumption of diplomatic relations with immediate effect.
Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in early 2016 in response to attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. The attacks followed Saudi Arabia’s execution of a Shiite cleric. — IANS
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Photo: audi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in Riyadh.
