Saudi Crown Prince: Kingdom is making efforts to de-escalate and support diplomatic solutions without compromising on security

Riyadh, Sept 30 (KUNA) -- Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman affirmed on Wednesday that the Kingdom is making every possible effort to de-escalate tensions and support diplomatic solutions “without the slightest compromise in safeguarding our security,” stressing that it will not hesitate to respond firmly to any threat or aggression targeting its security.

Speaking on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz at the opening of the third year of the ninth session of the Shura Council, Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the Kingdom “possesses highly competent human and military capabilities capable, God willing, of fully confronting and deterring threats, regardless of their sources.”

He added that attacks targeting all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries confirm that “Gulf security and stability are indivisible,” pointing to efforts with GCC states to safeguard Gulf security, pursue strategic cooperation and economic integration, and enhance joint Gulf action.

He noted that the Kingdom is working to enhance security and stability in the region, highlighting the establishment of the “Mecca Defense Alliance” between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, as well as the creation of a “Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance” to bolster maritime security, protect shared interests in international sea lanes, and prevent their exploitation as tools of political or economic pressure.

On regional issues, the Saudi Crown Prince condemned the ongoing attacks on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque, affirming that the Kingdom’s commitment to the rights of the Palestinian people is a firm stance and a continuous effort until they achieve their legitimate rights, including the establishment of their independent state in accordance with international references.

He reaffirmed Saudi support for Yemen’s unity and stability, backing the Yemeni government’s efforts to extend its authority across the country, restore stability, and counter the attacks of the terrorist Houthi militias, which have chosen chaos, destruction, and threats to the Yemeni people and the region as their path. He also reiterated the Kingdom’s supportive stance toward Sudan’s unity and stability, preservation of its legitimate institutions, and shielding its people from the tragedies of war and destruction.

On domestic matters, he clarified that over the past decade of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has achieved performance indicators reaching 93 percent of the vision’s program and strategic targets. Non-oil exports grew by 155 percent compared to 2016, and the private sector’s contribution to the economy rose to 51 percent.

He pointed to Saudi Arabia’s global advancement in several indicators, including ranking first in the Digital Readiness Index, the Telecommunications and Technology Development Index, and the Cybersecurity Index, and second in the Digital Government Maturity Index, as well as entering the list of the ten most attractive countries for mining investment.

He noted that 2026 has been designated as the “Year of Artificial Intelligence,” underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a global leader in developing AI applications and solutions, leveraging AI to boost productivity, improve service quality, and train Saudi talent.

The Saudi Crown Prince stressed that the Kingdom will continue to develop its national capacities and potential, empower promising sectors, and attract local and foreign investments, thereby enhancing its ability to finance development priorities and ensuring the sustainability of its achievements for future generations. (End) A.S.