Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Opens Extraordinary Arab And Islamic Summit In Riyadh Addressing Regional Challenges

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, inaugurated the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh. This event was on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Before the summit began, HRH the Crown Prince and other leaders posed for a group photo.

The summit commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran. In his opening speech, HRH the Crown Prince welcomed attendees to Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the ongoing Israeli attacks on Palestinians and their expansion into Lebanon. The Kingdom strongly condemns these actions and calls for international intervention.

HRH the Crown Prince stated, "The Kingdom reaffirms its condemnation and utter rejection of the genocide perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people." He noted that over 150,000 Palestinians have been affected, including many women and children. The Kingdom also denounces Israel's violation of Al-Aqsa Mosque's sanctity.

The obstruction of relief efforts by UNRWA in Palestinian territories was also condemned. The Kingdom opposes any hindrance to humanitarian aid for Palestinians. Additionally, Saudi Arabia criticizes Israeli military operations in Lebanon and any threats to its security.

The Kingdom urges global powers to ensure peace by stopping Israeli aggression against Palestinians and Lebanese people. It calls for respect towards Iran's sovereignty and an end to hostile actions on Iranian soil. The summit emphasizes solidarity with Palestine and Lebanon amid these challenges.

Saudi Arabia advocates for international recognition of Palestine as a state. It supports UN resolutions for full Palestinian membership and ending illegal Israeli occupation. The Global Alliance for implementing a Two-State Solution was launched with EU and Norway support.

Saudi Delegation at the Summit

The Saudi delegation included several ministers: Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Sport Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, among others. Their presence underscored Saudi Arabia's commitment to regional peace efforts.

The summit aims to reinforce joint efforts towards establishing a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. It also stresses preserving Lebanon's territorial integrity. The gathering seeks to advance shared objectives for peace in the region.

The summit is seen as an extension of previous meetings addressing similar issues. It underscores the centrality of the Palestinian cause in Arab-Islamic relations. HRH concluded his speech wishing peace upon all attendees.

With inputs from SPA