Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, recently addressed the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting the increasing number of global crises and the need for concrete solutions rather than just managing them. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation in the face of political polarization, urging the international community to work together to address pressing issues.
One of the key issues Prince Faisal addressed was the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. He condemned the “crimes perpetrated by Israel against the kindred Palestinian people” and expressed Saudi Arabia’s support for the Palestinian cause. The kingdom hosted the joint Arab-Islamic Summit last November to discuss the crisis and has been actively working to provide aid to the Palestinian people. Saudi Arabia welcomed the adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution in May 2024, which recognized the State of Palestine as fulfilling the conditions to become a UN Member State.
Since the start of the war in Gaza, Saudi Arabia has provided over $5 billion in aid to the Palestinian people and is collaborating with international and UN aid agencies to implement $106 billion in humanitarian projects. This includes services, food, medications, and other essential needs provided in partnership with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Prince Faisal stressed the importance of finding a fair solution to the Palestinian crisis and called for an end to impunity and the lack of respect for legal obligations that have allowed Israel to continue its escalation.
In addition to the Israel-Palestine conflict, Prince Faisal discussed Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the wider region. The kingdom recently concluded an agreement with Iran to restore diplomatic relations and has resumed relations with Syria to address common issues and strengthen cooperation. Saudi Arabia is also actively supporting efforts to find a solution to the crisis in Yemen and the Red Sea, where attacks by Houthi rebels pose a threat to international shipping.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is committed to preserving peace and stability in Sudan and has hosted peace talks in Jeddah to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation. The kingdom recognizes the importance of addressing the humanitarian and security situation in Afghanistan to prevent the country from becoming a breeding ground for terrorists. Prince Faisal emphasized the need for the international community to prioritize Afghanistan and work towards ending the ongoing crisis.
Overall, Prince Faisal’s address to the UN General Assembly highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the region and beyond. The kingdom is actively engaged in addressing pressing issues such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, the crisis in Yemen, and the security challenges in the Red Sea. By calling for dialogue, cooperation, and concrete solutions, Saudi Arabia is working towards a more peaceful and secure future for all.
