Saudi Foreign Minister Champions Unity And Palestinian Rights At OIC Banjul Summit

Deputizing for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, led Saudi Arabia's delegation at the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul. The conference, themed "Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development," saw Prince Faisal emphasizing the critical role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in supporting the Palestinian cause. He underscored the OIC's commitment since its inception to voice the concerns of the Islamic world and advocate for a just resolution that aligns with international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.

During his address, Prince Faisal condemned the recent surge in violence in Palestine, highlighting Saudi Arabia's efforts to safeguard Palestinian civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid. He reiterated the Kingdom's call for an immediate ceasefire, unobstructed humanitarian support, and a peaceful resolution that grants Palestinians their right to self-determination and an independent state. Furthermore, Prince Faisal reflected on Saudi Arabia's presidency of the previous summit, reaffirming its dedication to promoting unity across the Muslim world, defending Islamic symbols, and combating hatred and Islamophobia.

The foreign minister also touched upon Saudi Arabia's stance against terrorism, emphasizing national and international initiatives to halt terrorist financing. He called for comprehensive support for peace in Yemen through a political solution that addresses the Yemeni people's hardships and advances their economic and developmental aspirations. Prince Faisal highlighted the importance of stability in Syria, advocating for efforts to preserve its unity and integrity while combating terrorist organizations and drug smuggling.

Prince Faisal stressed the significance of a unified Sudan with effective state institutions to prevent further conflict. He also welcomed the recent UN resolution lifting the arms embargo on Somalia as a positive step towards peace and stability in the region. Through his speech, Prince Faisal conveyed Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue and unity within the Islamic community, aiming for sustainable development and peace across Muslim nations.

With inputs from SPA