Riyadh, November 11, 2023 - His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, assumed the role of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to preside over and inaugurate the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh.
Before the commencement of the summit, HRH the Crown Prince engaged in a momentous exchange of group photographs with the leaders and heads of the participating countries, setting a collaborative tone for the proceedings.
The summit opened with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, infusing a sense of solemnity and spirituality into the gathering. Subsequently, HRH the Crown Prince delivered a poignant and impactful inaugural speech, articulating the Kingdom's stance on the critical issues at hand.
In his address, Prince Mohammed bin Salman extended a warm welcome to the distinguished attendees, conveying the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's wishes for a successful summit. The Crown Prince acknowledged the extraordinary and painful circumstances that prompted the convening of the summit, emphasizing the Kingdom's firm condemnation and rejection of the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed deep concern over the devastating consequences of the war in Gaza, highlighting the loss of thousands of innocent lives, including children, women, and the elderly. He decried the destruction of vital infrastructure, hospitals, and places of worship, characterizing the situation as a "humanitarian catastrophe."
The Crown Prince underscored the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip, detailing continuous efforts to coordinate with allied nations to bring an end to the conflict. He reiterated the urgent demand for an immediate cessation of military operations, the establishment of humanitarian corridors to aid civilians, and the facilitation of international humanitarian organizations to fulfill their critical role.
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman called for the release of hostages and detainees, emphasizing the imperative of sparing the lives of innocent people. He castigated the international community for its failure to halt the flagrant Israeli violations of international laws and humanitarian norms, decrying the evident double standards in their application.
The Crown Prince concluded his address by reaffirming the Kingdom's categorical rejection of the continued aggression, occupation, and forced displacement in Gaza. He held the occupation authorities responsible for the crimes committed against the Palestinian people and their infrastructure. Prince Mohammed bin Salman proposed that the only path to regional security, peace, and stability involves ending the occupation, siege, and settlements while securing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. These, he asserted, are fundamental prerequisites for ensuring security and stability in the region.
The Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit, under the leadership of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stands as a crucial platform for leaders to unite in addressing the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza and seeking a comprehensive and just resolution to the long-standing challenges in the region.
