In a significant diplomatic move, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, spearheaded the Kingdom's delegation at the Extraordinary Joint Meeting of BRICS Leaders. This virtual summit, focused on the situation in the Middle East with a particular emphasis on the dire circumstances in Gaza, provided a platform for HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman to deliver a crucial speech addressing the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe:
Key Points from HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Speech:
Acknowledgment of the Host Country and Summit's Significance:
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic of South Africa for hosting the summit and extending an invitation to the Kingdom. He underscored the importance of this extraordinary gathering, especially given the challenging times faced by the Gaza Strip.
Categorical Condemnation of Crimes in Gaza:
The Crown Prince articulated the Kingdom's unequivocal condemnation of the brutal crimes perpetrated against innocent civilians in Gaza. He highlighted the indiscriminate destruction of vital infrastructure, including health facilities and places of worship. HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the urgency of a collective effort to halt the escalating humanitarian catastrophe and called for decisive solutions.
Demand for Immediate Cessation of Military Operations:
The Crown Prince reiterated the Kingdom's firm rejection of the military operations in Gaza that have claimed the lives of thousands, including, children, women, and the elderly. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to facilitate the work of international humanitarian organizations in aiding civilians.
Saudi Arabia's Humanitarian Initiatives:
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman detailed the Kingdom's relentless efforts in providing humanitarian and relief aid to Gaza. This includes aid delivered by air and sea, as well as an urgent fundraising campaign that has amassed over half a billion SAR.
The Outcome of Extraordinary Joint Arab and Islamic Summit
The Crown Prince highlighted the extraordinary joint Arab and Islamic summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023. The Summit, in response to the Israeli aggression, issued several decisive decisions denouncing the attacks, demanding the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, rejecting forced displacement, and urging countries to cease arms exports to Israel. It also emphasized the need for international consensus and a serious political process to achieve a lasting peace based on international legitimacy.
Saudi Arabia's Unwavering Stance on Palestine:
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated Saudi Arabia's enduring stance that the security and stability of Palestine can only be achieved through the implementation of international resolutions pertaining to the two-state solution. He emphasized the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent and sovereign state within the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Appreciation for International Efforts:
The Crown Prince expressed appreciation for the efforts of the permanent members of the UN Security in working towards a just peace. He commended the role played by BRICS in assisting the Palestinian people, extending gratitude to the attending leaders and expressing hope that the summit would achieve its noble objectives.
Conclusion:
In his address to the Extraordinary Joint Meeting of BRICS Leaders, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman demonstrated Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to Humanitarian causes, particularly in the face of the crisis in Gaza. The Crown Prince's speech not only condemned the atrocities but also outlined concrete steps and initiatives taken by the Kingdom to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. As the world watches, Saudi Arabia stands firm in its principles, advocating for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
