In a pivotal diplomatic engagement, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, recently led the Saudi delegation at the Extraordinary Joint Meeting of BRICS Leaders and leaders of invited BRICS members. The focus of this high-level gathering, conducted via video conference, was the dire situation in the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Address:
During the virtual meeting, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman delivered a speech, expressing the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and conveying his hopes for the success of the summit amid the challenging circumstances faced by the Gaza Strip.
The Crown Prince expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic of South Africa for hosting the summit and extending the invitation to the Kingdom. He emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address the brutal crimes against innocent civilians in Gaza, citing the destruction of vital infrastructure, including health facilities and places of worship. HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated the Kingdom's categorical rejection of these operations, which have resulted in the tragic loss of lives, particularly among children, women, and the elderly.
Saudi Arabia's Humanitarian Efforts:
Highlighting the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to alleviating the suffering of Gazan civilians, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman outlined the extensive efforts undertaken by Saudi Arabia. These efforts include the provision of humanitarian and relief aid by air and sea, as well as the launch of an urgent fundraising campaign that has garnered over half a billion SAR.
International Diplomatic Initiatives:
The Crown Prince emphasized the significance of the extraordinary joint Arab and Islamic summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023, in response to the Israeli aggression. The summit resulted in decisions denouncing the Israeli actions, calling for the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, rejecting forced displacement, and urging countries to halt weapons and ammunition exports to Israel. Furthermore, the summit sought to establish an international stance against the aggression and facilitate a serious political process for a lasting, comprehensive peace in the region based on international legitimacy.
Saudi Arabia's Unwavering Stance:
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated the Kingdom's consistent position that security and stability in Palestine hinge upon implementing international resolutions related to the two-state solution. This approach aims to secure the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent and sovereign state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Acknowledgment and Hope for the Summit:
Concluding his address, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed appreciation for the efforts of the permanent members of the UN Security Council and commended the role played by BRICS in supporting the Palestinian people. He extended gratitude to the attending leaders and conveyed hopes for the summit to achieve its noble goals in addressing the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In a time of profound concern and international collaboration, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stands committed to advocating for justice, peace, and the well-being of the Palestinian people.
