LONDON: Saudi Arabia is “incredibly concerned” about regional security following Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and the situation in Gaza, the Kingdom’s foreign minister said on Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan told a panel titled “Securing an Insecure World” that de-escalation in the Red Sea is essential, and that Riyadh will continue to “engage with all stakeholders” after US and UK airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen last week.
While “clearly connected with the war in Gaza,” it is important that the conflict in the Palestinian enclave is addressed separately, he said.
“We need to focus on the war in Gaza not because of the Red Sea,” he told the panel. “We need to focus on the war in Gaza because of its impact on the Palestinians, first, but on regional security in general and on the risks it poses for further escalation.”
Prince Faisal said since Israel began military operations in Gaza, nearly 30,000 Palestinians have died and humanitarian aid is still being heavily restricted, but he has “not seen any real sign” that Tel Aviv is achieving its strategic objectives.
He praised parts of the international community for “moving more in the direction” of calling for a cease-fire, adding that peace between the two sides “will resolve many of the challenges that we have in the region.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called the war “a total disaster” and reiterated that the “only way out” of the ongoing situation is a two-state solution.
However, she said “a cease-fire, unfortunately, doesn’t fall from the sky” and can only be achieved if both sides “are ready.”
Baerbock said a “vicious circle” of blame is preventing a cease-fire from happening, but insisted that first and foremost, Hamas needs to lay down its weapons and release all remaining hostages in Gaza.
“The answer is there on the table,” she said. “But we can’t ignore that the majority of hostages are still (with) Hamas.”
US Sen. Christopher Coons said he is “optimistic” that peace can be achieved based on talks between American senators and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh in 2023, as well as meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv and Egyptian President Abdel-Fatah El-Sisi in Cairo.
However, Coons added that conditions in Gaza are worsening daily, and that Netanyahu has built a political career out of opposing a two-state solution.
Prince Faisal said he is heartened by the “concrete agreement” among major nations that the current situation is untenable, adding: “We need to translate that into action.”
He said Riyadh will continue to work with Washington “toward a much better future for the region,” and raised the possibility of future Saudi recognition of Israel if peace with the Palestinians could be reached.
Coons hinted that a series of elections in Western countries in 2024 could potentially affect the shape of the current set of Middle East crises.
He said Iran’s role in conflicts ranging from Yemen to Ukraine needs to be recognized, but talked down any possibility that a return to the White House for former President Donald Trump would lead to a US withdrawal from NATO. “The US rarely ratifies defense treaties, but when we do, we keep them,” Coons said.
Citing growing concerns about inter-regional conflicts, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said: “What happens in Asia matters for Europe.”
He also noted that Iran is aiding Russia in Ukraine, selling Moscow military drones and helping it construct drone and munitions facilities in Tatarstan.
But he said there is cause for optimism for Ukrainians, noting Russia’s failure to make major progress following the early days of the invasion, and highlighting Kyiv’s success in opening up channels for the export of grain through the Black Sea.
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said nobody wants to live in a world “where only the strongest survive,” adding that her country had felt compelled to join NATO because of Russia’s aggression, highlighting Moscow’s use of “hybrid strategies” to push “third-party citizens” from other countries into Europe via Finland’s border.
Pointing to Finland’s right to security, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yussuf Tuggar said: “What the minister says could apply just as much to Palestine — they have the right.”
He said the world needs to see concrete changes in the makeup of global security institutions, bemoaning a decline in international diplomacy, and adding that a country such as Nigeria should have a place on the UN Security Council. The UNSC “needs to democratize,” Tuggar said. “Clearly it isn’t fit for purpose.”
He added: “Nigeria is a large country. It’s the most populous country on the continent of Africa. It has a population of 220 million people — it’s going to be 400 million by the year 2050. It belongs in the UN Security Council.”
Saudi Arabia ‘incredibly concerned’ about Red Sea, Gaza security, FM tells WEF
https://arab.news/vbp4f
Saudi Arabia ‘incredibly concerned’ about Red Sea, Gaza security, FM tells WEF
- Prince Faisal says peace between Israel, Palestinians ‘will resolve many of the challenges’ Mideast faces
- Riyadh will continue to work with Washington ‘toward a much better future for the region,’ foreign minister says
Saudi FM reaffirms support for Palestine, condemns Israeli strikes on Iran at OIC meeting in Istanbul
- Was speaking during opening session of 51st meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause during the opening session of the 51st meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held in Istanbul on Saturday.
The foreign minister also condemned the Israeli strikes on Iran, describing them as a “blatant” violation of international law and an infringement on Iranian sovereignty and security.
The meeting, hosted by Turkiye, marked the start of its presidency of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. Prince Faisal congratulated Turkiye on assuming the role and extended thanks to Cameroon for its efforts during its previous term.
In his address, Prince Faisal underscored the importance Saudi Arabia placed on the Palestinian issue, highlighting the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to end the war in Gaza, alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis, and unify Arab and Islamic positions on the conflict.
He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s firm support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Turning to the Israeli-Iranian conflict, he said: “These attacks threaten the security and stability of the region,” and called for an immediate halt to military operations, de-escalation, and a return to negotiations between Iran and the international community.
Prince Faisal also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s continued backing of efforts to resolve the crisis in Yemen, expressing support for a comprehensive political solution and the restoration of peace, stability, and security in the country.
Saudi foreign minister holds talks with Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on OIC sidelines
ISTANBUL: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate meetings on Saturday with his Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on Saturday.
The discussions were held on the sidelines of the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul.
During talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, the two sides reviewed the close relations between the Kingdom and Egypt and discussed regional developments and their impact on the security of the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Faisal also met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The discussions focused on bilateral ties, as well as regional and international developments and ongoing efforts to address them, SPA added.
Both meetings were attended by Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, and Fahd bin Asaad Abu Al-Nasr, Saudi ambassador to Turkiye.
‘Ambassador extraordinaire’: well wishes pour in as Saudi envoy concludes tenure in London
- Prince Khalid bin Bandar credited with ‘modernizing the tone, scope of Saudi-UK engagement’
RIYADH: As Prince Khalid bin Bandar concludes his role as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UK, his six-year tenure is being marked as a period of renewed engagement and modernization in Saudi-UK relations. As per Royal Decree issued last March, Prince Khalid has been appointed as an advisor at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and is expected to head back to Riyadh in the next few days.
Since his appointment in 2019, Prince Khalid has led efforts to strengthen ties and redefine the Kingdom’s image across political, economic, academic and cultural spheres.
His approach is marked by transparency, accessibility and strategic foresight as well as consistent outreach to both political institutions and the wider British public.
In April this year, he was named Diplomat of the Year for the Middle East and North Africa by Diplomat Magazine, an award voted on by representatives of more than 180 missions in the UK.
One of his final public engagements was an on-the-record panel discussion with Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abbas at the Frontline Club, hosted by the MENA-based think tank SRMG Think (videos above).
Current British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton described Prince Khalid as “an exemplary ambassador” and said: “He tirelessly engaged the media, universities, and parliamentarians to explain Saudi views and illuminate the changes under Vision 2030. He will be much missed.”
(Prince Khalid) tirelessly engaged the media, universities, and parliamentarians to explain Saudi views and illuminate the changes under Vision 2030.
Neil Crompton
British ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Former UK ambassador to the Kingdom, Sir John Jenkins, said, “Prince Khalid has been one of the best connected and most visible — and articulate — ambassadors in the whole of the London diplomatic corps … The Kingdom needs advocates like him, and we need friends like him.”
Prince Khalid has been one of the best connected and most visible — and articulate — ambassadors in the whole of the London diplomatic corps.
Sir John Jenkins
Former UK ambassador to the Kingdom
Among the hallmark initiatives of his tenure was the Great Futures event in Riyadh, a flagship moment for UK-Saudi engagement. The event brought together investors, policymakers, academics and creatives, fostering trade, education and public understanding of the Kingdom’s transformation.
Sir Ben Elliot, former chairman of the Conservative Party, commended Prince Khalid’s diplomatic instinct: “His unwavering dedication over six years has transformed the UK-Saudi relationship. The UK has now become the largest source of visitors to Saudi Arabia — a milestone he personally championed. He reshaped perceptions of the Kingdom with diplomacy, charm and grace.”
The UK has now become the largest source of visitors to Saudi Arabia — a milestone he personally championed.
Sir Ben Elliot
Conservative Party, former chairman
This vision of diplomacy extended beyond politics to academia and community engagement. Prince Khalid actively reached out to British Muslim communities, students and universities such as Oxford and Durham — not as formalities, but as forums for real dialogue and shared values.
Othman Al-Omeir, veteran Saudi journalist and former editor of the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat, told Arab News: “I have witnessed the tenure of seven Saudi ambassadors who served at the Saudi Embassy in London. In truth, Prince Khalid stands out for his profound and precise understanding of British society, and for the universal respect he commands due to his competence, capability and discernment. His presence was positive, effective and influential.”
Prince Khalid stands out for his profound and precise understanding of British society, and for the universal respect he commands due to his competence, capability and discernment.
Othman Al-Omeir
Veteran Saudi journalist
Dr. Najah Alotaibi, a trustee of the Saudi British Society, said: “Prince Khalid changed the dynamic. For decades, relations were political and elite driven. He brought it to the people — through media, academia and civil society. His television appearances tackled complex issues with openness.
“I was fortunate to meet him many times, particularly through the Saudi British Society, where he is our patron alongside King Charles. Thanks to his support, we launched the annual Ghazi Al-Gosaibi Memorial Lecture. His efforts brought momentum to Saudi Arabia’s presence in the UK’s cultural, sports and economic landscape.”
His efforts brought momentum to Saudi Arabia’s presence in the UK’s cultural, sports and economic landscape.
Dr. Najah Alotaibi
Saudi British Society trustee
Prince Khalid prioritized public diplomacy, focusing on transparency and dialogue. One of his final appearances was at the Frontline Club in London last February— moderated by Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas — which offered a rare candid conversation about Saudi reform and regional diplomacy with British journalists and policy thinkers.
Prince Khalid ensured Saudi voices were better represented in British media, academic panels and think tanks, earning him praise across the diplomatic spectrum.
Chris Doyle, director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding, said: “Prince Khalid brought a dignified presence to the Arab diplomatic circuit in London, especially during times of regional turmoil.”
Prince Khalid brought a dignified presence to the Arab diplomatic circuit in London, especially during times of regional turmoil.
Chris Doyle
Council for Arab-British Understanding director
Prince Khalid also deepened ties with institutions like the Saudi British Society, one of the UK’s oldest platforms for cultural diplomacy. He supported its events and initiatives, highlighting arts, heritage and mutual understanding.
Roxana Mohammadian-Molina, deputy chair of the Saudi British Joint Business Council, added: “Prince Khalid’s presence brought energy, engagement and a modern perspective to the bilateral relationship, particularly at a time of profound transformation in the Kingdom.
We were honored to work alongside him to advance commercial and cultural ties, and we are grateful for his steadfast support of UK-Saudi collaboration.
Roxana Mohammadian-Molina
Saudi British Joint Business Council deputy chair
“At the Saudi British Joint Business Council, we were honored to work alongside him to advance commercial and cultural ties, and we are grateful for his steadfast support of UK-Saudi collaboration. He leaves a lasting legacy, and we wish him every success in his future endeavors.”
False bomb threat forces diversion of Saudia flight to Indonesia, second incident in a week
- Flight SV5688 was en route from Jeddah to Indonesia, with a scheduled stop in Muscat
- Saudia confirms to Arab News security threat was ultimately deemed false
RIYADH: A Saudia Airlines flight carrying hundreds of Hajj pilgrims back to Indonesia from the Middle East was diverted on Saturday following a bomb threat, according to reports.
It is the second such incident in a week involving a Saudia flight.
Flight SV5688 was en route from Jeddah to Indonesia, with a scheduled stop in Muscat, and was due to land in Surabaya on the island of Java.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said air traffic controllers in the Indonesian capital Jakarta received a call alerting them to a bomb threat onboard the flight, prompting its diversion to Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, North Sumatra, on Saturday morning.
The head of the regional airport authority, Asri Santosa, said in a statement that officers were inspecting the aircraft upon arrival, though the airport remained fully operational.
All 376 passengers, Hajj pilgrims from Java, and 13 crew members were reported safe, according to a North Sumatra police spokesperson. The passengers are expected to resume their journey on Sunday.
On request for comment by Arab News, Saudia confirmed the security threat was ultimately deemed false.
“In strict accordance with safety protocols, Saudia diverted flight SV5688 operating to Surabaya to Kualanamu International Airport in Indonesia as a precautionary measure,” the airline said.
“The aircraft landed, and all guests and crew have deplaned safely. Local authorities conducted the required checks shortly after landing and have cleared the aircraft for continued operation.
“The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew remain Saudia’s highest priority no matter the cost. Full care and support have been provided, and onward travel arrangements to Surabaya are being made,” it added.
On Tuesday, another Saudia flight carrying 442 Hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to Jakarta was also diverted to Medan after authorities received an email containing a bomb threat.
‘Color Your Summer’ program reflects Saudi diversity, targets 41m visitors
The Saudi Tourism Authority has launched “Color Your Summer,” a program showcasing Saudi Arabia’s natural and cultural diversity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. The initiative will run until the end of September.
Activities will be hosted in six main destinations “that blend the sea and mountains and merge adventure with relaxation.”
The STA expects the program to attract more than 41 million visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom this year, with projected tourism spending surpassing SR73 billion ($19.47 billion).
Asir will host its Summer Season, featuring “a rich array of musical, artistic, and cultural events such as Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event,” as well as “adventure trails and outdoor activities amid lofty mountains and pleasant weather, while the region’s ancient stone houses evoke a rich cultural memory, adding an authentic touch for visitors.”
The STA, in partnership with Jazeera Airways, recently announced that direct flights from Kuwait to Asir will be available three times a week from July 15 until the end of September, strengthening the airline’s presence in the Saudi market and supporting the authority’s efforts to promote various summer destinations in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Riyadh will make its mark this summer by hosting the second Esports World Cup from July 8 to Aug. 24, which is set to attract visitors from around the world. “The city is also a hub for artistic and cultural events and a variety of entertainment shows throughout the summer,” the SPA stated.
Jeddah will be welcoming visitors with new beaches and luxury resorts this summer, and its diverse selection of marine activities and “relaxation events” make it “the right place for family and water sports enthusiasts alike,” the SPA wrote, adding: “Visitors can explore City Walk and circus performances at Circus 1903.”
Sheybarah and Ummahat islands will also be featured as part of the Kingdom’s luxury tourism network. “With their white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and colorful coral reefs, the islands add a maritime adventure to the portfolio of the Kingdom’s destinations,” the SPA stated.
Taif will greet its summer visitors this year with “refreshing mountain breezes and the fragrant blooms of Taif roses in Arruddaf Park, nestled between traditional markets and lush orchards,” according to the SPA. “Meanwhile, Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains cast a magical misty aura, providing experiences for adventure and culture enthusiasts steeped in the city’s rich heritage and history.”
And in Baha, visitors will encounter “stunning natural beauty from the heights of the mountains to the depths of the valleys in Raghadan Forest.”
