The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterated its firm stance calling for the preservation of Sudan's unity, security, and stability, emphasizing the importance of protecting legitimate state institutions from collapse amidst the current crisis. In a strongly worded official statement, the Kingdom demanded that the Rapid Support Forces immediately cease all violations and adhere to the ethical and humanitarian obligations imposed by international law, particularly regarding ensuring the unimpeded delivery of urgent relief aid to those in need.

This firm stance was expressed during the participation of the Kingdom's Permanent Mission to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, in the interactive dialogue concerning the oral briefing by the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the deteriorating situation in El Fasher and surrounding areas. The Kingdom's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khathila, delivered a statement expressing the Kingdom's strong condemnation and denunciation of the grave human rights violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces during their recent attacks.

The statement addressed the criminal attacks targeting vital health facilities, aid convoys, and civilian infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of dozens of displaced persons and unarmed civilians, including women and children, in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. The Kingdom reiterated the necessity of adhering to the Jeddah Declaration, signed on May 11, 2023, which explicitly stipulates the commitment to protecting civilians in Sudan. This agreement was sponsored by the Kingdom and the United States of America with the aim of alleviating human suffering.

These calls come within the context of the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to ending the conflict in Sudan, which began in mid-April 2023. Riyadh has played a pivotal role in hosting talks between the warring parties. El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, holds immense strategic and humanitarian importance, serving as a major hub for displaced persons and aid distribution. Targeting the city would constitute a humanitarian catastrophe, threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians and exacerbating the refugee and displacement crisis in the region.

The Kingdom concluded its statement by emphasizing that a political solution is the only way to end the crisis, calling on the international community to intensify pressure to ensure the protection of civilians and a ceasefire, and renewing its commitment to continue diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to support the brotherly Sudanese people in their current ordeal until security and stability are restored throughout Sudan.

His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received at the Ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh today (Monday), His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Asaad Al-Shaibani, within the framework of strengthening joint Arab action and consolidating bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the fraternal relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Syrian Arab Republic, and discussed the latest developments in Syria. They also addressed ways to support Syria's security and stability, and discussed vital economic issues to help fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people for development and prosperity, and ensure Syria's return to its natural role in its Arab and regional environment.

The reception was attended on the Saudi side by His Highness Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, and Ambassador Dr. Saud Al-Sati, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, where views were exchanged on a number of regional and international issues of common interest.

renewed diplomatic context

This visit comes amidst the active diplomatic efforts underway in the region, and as a continuation of the process of resuming diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Damascus, which previously culminated in Syria's participation in Arab summits and the restoration of its seat in the Arab League. These discussions reflect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to prioritizing dialogue and the higher interests of the Arab world, and its tireless pursuit of resolving regional crises through political solutions that preserve the sovereignty of states and the security of their people.

The importance of timing and implications

This meeting is of particular importance given the geopolitical challenges facing the Middle East region, where the Kingdom, through its quiet and balanced diplomacy, seeks to resolve regional problems and build bridges of cooperation. Observers note that the focus on security and economic issues during the talks between Minister Faisal bin Farhan and his Syrian counterpart reflects a deep understanding that security and stability are the cornerstone of any economic recovery, something Syria needs at this stage to overcome the effects of recent years.

Supporting regional stability

These steps fall within the Kingdom's strategic vision aimed at strengthening Arab national security, as the stability of Syria is viewed as an integral part of the security of the entire region. These ongoing meetings are expected to contribute to coordinating positions on combating terrorism, securing borders, and fighting drug trafficking, in addition to creating a suitable environment for the return of refugees and the initiation of early recovery projects that directly impact the lives of Syrian citizens.

In a diplomatic move reflecting the deep-rooted fraternal relations, His Royal Highness Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan presented his credentials as the non-resident Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the State of Palestine. The presentation ceremony took place during his reception as a guest of His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas at the Palestinian Presidential Headquarters, an event that underscores the continued and unwavering Saudi support for the Palestinian cause.

During the official meeting, Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan conveyed the greetings and appreciation of the wise leadership – may God support them – represented by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to President Mahmoud Abbas and the brotherly Palestinian people. For his part, the Palestinian President asked the new ambassador to convey his greetings and deep appreciation to the Saudi leadership, wishing the Kingdom continued progress and prosperity.

Palestinian praise for Saudi Arabia's leading role

President Mahmoud Abbas expressed his deep appreciation for the leading and pivotal role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving and supporting Arab and Islamic causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause. President Abbas affirmed that the Kingdom's historical positions constitute strong support for the Palestinian people in achieving their legitimate rights, and wished Ambassador Prince Mansour bin Khalid success in his diplomatic mission to strengthen and elevate the distinguished bilateral relations in all fields.

The presentation of credentials ceremony was attended by a number of senior Palestinian officials, headed by His Excellency the President’s Advisor for Diplomatic Affairs, Dr. Majdi Al-Khalidi, and the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Attallah Khairy, in addition to the Director of Protocol and Ceremonies at the Palestinian Presidency, Ambassador Hussein Hussein.

The significance of timing and the importance of diplomatic representation

The appointment of Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan as non-resident ambassador to Palestine comes at a crucial time, as the region witnesses intense political activity. This step is a practical affirmation of Riyadh's unwavering support for the Palestinian National Authority and its commitment to strengthening its diplomatic presence. This diplomatic representation also reflects the Kingdom's keenness to maintain open and direct channels of communication and coordination with the Palestinian leadership to address current challenges.

A long history of political and humanitarian support

This event is not merely a protocolary gesture, but rather an extension of a long history of Saudi-Palestinian relations that began during the reign of the Kingdom's founder, King Abdulaziz – may God have mercy on him. The Kingdom has consistently been the foremost supporter of the Palestinian cause in international forums, adopting the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which it launched as a roadmap for a just and comprehensive solution that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Today, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the Kingdom continues to provide political, financial, and humanitarian support to the Palestinian people, reaffirming that Palestine remains the primary cause of the Arab world.