As part of the intensive diplomatic efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance security and stability in the region, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, held important telephone talks today (Saturday) with his counterparts in the State of Kuwait and the Syrian Arab Republic, which addressed the rapid and dangerous developments taking place in the region as a result of the recent Iranian attacks.

His Highness the Foreign Minister began his diplomatic efforts by making a telephone call to His Excellency the Foreign Minister of the sisterly State of Kuwait, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The call focused on discussing the repercussions of the brutal Iranian aggression that targeted Kuwaiti territory and several other countries in the region. During the call, both sides expressed their strong condemnation and absolute denunciation of these hostile acts, which constitute a flagrant violation of international norms and laws, and a direct threat to regional security and peace.

In reaffirming the deep fraternal ties and shared destiny that bind the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, Prince Faisal bin Farhan reiterated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's unwavering position and complete solidarity with the sisterly State of Kuwait. His Highness emphasized the Kingdom's unwavering support for Kuwait and its commitment to utilizing all Saudi resources and capabilities to assist and support Kuwait in all measures it takes to preserve its security, stability, and territorial integrity, stressing that Kuwait's security is an integral part of the Kingdom's own security.

In a related development, the Foreign Minister received a telephone call from his Syrian counterpart, His Excellency Mr. Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, during which they reviewed the latest developments in the region and discussed the current dangerous escalation. Both sides agreed on the gravity of the current situation, which necessitates joint Arab coordination to confront the challenges.

Both the Saudi and Syrian sides strongly condemned the brutal Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and several neighboring countries. In this regard, they affirmed the Kingdom's legitimate right to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, ensure the safety of its citizens and residents, and deter any aggression that threatens its national resources and achievements.

These contacts come at a time when the region is witnessing increasing geopolitical tensions, reflecting the importance of the leading role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in unifying the Arab ranks and coordinating diplomatic positions to reduce threats that destabilize the Middle East, and to emphasize the need to respect the sovereignty of states and good neighborliness.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a telephone call today from His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, as part of the ongoing consultations between the two leaderships regarding the rapidly evolving developments on the regional and international scenes.

During the call, the serious developments in the Middle East region were discussed, along with the worrying repercussions of the ongoing military escalation and its direct effects on the security and stability of the region, in addition to exploring ways to spare the region the risks of sliding into further tension.

A firm stance and a defense of sovereignty

During the telephone conversation, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince reaffirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's firm and unwavering stance in condemning the Iranian missile attacks targeting the Kingdom's territory and several other brotherly nations. He emphasized that the Kingdom will not hesitate to take all necessary and deterrent measures to defend its territory, resources, and people, while simultaneously expressing full support for the brotherly nations in all steps and measures they take to preserve their sovereignty, security, and stability against any external aggression that threatens their territorial integrity.

The depth of the Saudi-French partnership

This call reflects the depth of the strategic relationship between Riyadh and Paris, with France being a pivotal European partner for the Kingdom on numerous political, security, and economic issues. Relations between the two countries are characterized by a long history of joint coordination on Middle Eastern issues, often aligning on the need to promote stability, combat terrorism, and respect the sovereignty of nations. President Macron's contact with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince underscores the leading and central role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a stabilizing force in the region and the most influential player in the regional security equation.

The repercussions of the escalation on international security

These discussions are of paramount importance under the current circumstances. The Arabian Gulf and the Middle East represent the lifeblood of the global economy and a vital energy artery, and any threat to their security directly and negatively impacts international peace and security. Military escalation and missile attacks not only threaten the security of the targeted countries but also undermine international diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and building a prosperous future for the peoples of the region. Therefore, Saudi Arabia's diplomatic efforts aim to garner international support in rejecting these violations and ensuring adherence to international laws and conventions that criminalize attacks on the sovereignty of states. This underscores the Kingdom's commitment to exhausting all diplomatic avenues while maintaining its full military readiness.