Saudi Foreign Minister Leads Delegation At BRICS Plus Summit 2024 In Russia

Representing the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah led Saudi Arabia's delegation at the BRICS Plus Summit 2024 in Kazan, Russia. The Kingdom was invited to join the BRICS group. During the summit, Prince Faisal conveyed greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Vladimir Putin and other BRICS leaders.

Prince Faisal expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the Saudi delegation. He highlighted the strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and BRICS nations, noting that bilateral trade exceeded $196 billion in 2023, making up 37% of Saudi Arabia's total foreign trade. This summit serves as a platform to boost cooperation with BRICS countries in tackling global challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Addressing international concerns, Prince Faisal voiced Saudi Arabia's worries about rising global tensions. He stated: "At a time when we most need to confront global challenges, we witness rising tensions, polarization, and alignments that weaken the flexibility and effectiveness of multilateral forums. The Kingdom supports strengthening international institutions to meet the needs of all countries."

The ongoing conflict in Gaza was also addressed by Prince Faisal. He remarked, "The ongoing Israeli aggression poses a serious threat to regional and international security." He warned that this escalation has spread to Lebanon and cautioned that continued conflict will worsen regional instability. An immediate ceasefire is essential, along with unimpeded humanitarian aid and hostage release.

Prince Faisal underscored Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering peace in the region through initiatives like last month's launch of the "Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution" with international partners. He emphasized that granting Palestinians self-determination is crucial for lasting peace. He praised BRICS nations for supporting a solution based on establishing an independent Palestinian state along 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In his concluding remarks, Prince Faisal affirmed Saudi Arabia's dedication to strengthening partnerships with BRICS countries across various sectors for global development and prosperity. The summit was attended by several notable figures including Saudi Ambassador to Russia Abdulrahman bin Sulaiman Al-Ahmad, Director General of the Office of His Highness the Foreign Minister Abdulrahman Aldawood, Director General of International Organizations Shaher Al-Khonaini, and Advisor Mohammed Alyahya.

With inputs from SPA