Amidst intensive diplomatic activity on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a series of important meetings that reflected the pivotal role of Saudi Arabia in addressing the region's most pressing issues. Discussions focused particularly on the tragic developments in the Gaza Strip, as well as strengthening relations with the Syrian Arab Republic, underscoring the Kingdom's dual strategy of addressing emerging crises and building sustainable regional stability.
Diplomatic efforts to stop the aggression against Gaza
Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nikolay Mladenov, to discuss the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and surrounding areas. The meeting addressed international efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire and end the worsening humanitarian crisis facing the residents of the Gaza Strip.
This diplomatic move comes within the framework of the Kingdom's consistent position, which, since the beginning of the crisis, has called for an immediate cessation of military operations, the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and the guarantee of safe and continuous access for humanitarian aid. Saudi Arabia consistently affirms that a military solution will not bring security, and that the only path to achieving a just and lasting peace lies in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant UN resolutions.
Saudi-Syrian relations: A new phase of cooperation
On another front, the meeting between the Foreign Minister and his Syrian counterpart, Dr. Faisal Mekdad, marked a significant milestone reflecting the positive development in relations between the two brotherly countries. The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them in various fields to serve the interests of both peoples, and discussed the latest developments in the regional arena.
This meeting is particularly significant as it follows the resumption of full diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Damascus in 2023 and Syria's return to its seat in the Arab League—steps in which the Kingdom played a pivotal role. This rapprochement is part of a broader vision to strengthen joint Arab action and resolve regional crises through dialogue and coordination. The Foreign Minister reiterated the Kingdom's support for all efforts aimed at preserving Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, ending the suffering of its people, and creating the conditions for the return of refugees and internally displaced persons.
Strengthening relations with Damascus not only serves bilateral interests, but also represents a vital element in reshaping the regional landscape towards greater stability, addressing common security challenges, and opening new horizons for development and economic cooperation in the region.
