Saudi Foreign Minister urges action against ‘subversive’ regional interventions

Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia on Monday called on the international community to take a serious stance against “subversive” interventions to destabilize the region.

“Saudi Arabia stresses the importance of preserving the unity, sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Arab lands as well as non-interference in their internal affairs and condemns all regional interventions that support terrorist militias and ignite sectarian and ethnic strife,” said Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan.

Prince Faisal made the remarks during his participation in a virtual ministerial meeting of the Arab-China states chaired by Jordan.

At the beginning of his speech, Prince Faisal expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the foreign ministers of Jordan and China on their efforts to ensure the success of the ninth meeting of the Arab-China Forum, League of Arab States under the leadership of the secretary-general as well as the Arab and Chinese working groups who prepared and facilitated this important meeting.

Prince Faisal said: "The Arab-Chinese cooperation increases in strength and diversity with each passing day. It is a cooperation that is based on mutual respect; respect for the principles of international law and norms; the sovereignty and independence of states; the commitment to peaceful resolutions of conflicts; and the mutual desire to deepen and strengthen the areas of cooperation to realize the interests of both the Arab and Chinese peoples, and It is no wonder that the positions of China and the Arab countries often aligned in international forums, especially in terms of establishing the foundations of peace, security and the prosperity for all peoples. Our joint efforts to face the effects of COVID-19 are some of the fruits of this cooperation.”

Saudi foreign minister reaffirmed the Arab countries' support for Chinese sovereignty, territorial integrity and the one-China principle. He said Arab countries strongly value the supportive Chinese position toward the rights of the Palestinians, the Arab peace initiative and the two-state solution as well as Beijing’s stated positions on respecting the independence and sovereignty of states and the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of countries.

Prince Faisal also said: “We also appreciate the ideas presented by President Xi Jinping on the common destiny of humankind, and for the ambitious Belt and Road initiative that will facilitate the achievement of higher level of cooperation, development, and common interests.”

Prince Faisal pointed out that the friendly relationship between Saudi Arabia and China is developing in various areas and is based on a comprehensive strategic partnership. China is the Kingdom’s largest trading partner — 13 percent of the Kingdom’s total exports and 15 percent of the Kingdom’s total imports are with China. In addition, as member countries of the Group of 20, both countries embody an approach that supports openness, mutual cooperation, and a contribution to sustainable development.

Prince Faisal considered today’s meeting as an additional step in supporting the Arab-Chinese cooperation in its various areas. He said: “We will soon seek to mark the success of the cooperation by elevating the partnership to an Arab-Chinese Summit, which will be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”