Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Commends Results of the Mecca Agreement
Riyadh (Agencies): His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, extended his gratitude and appreciation to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for their efforts at the Mecca Summit for Joint Defense, which underscored the deep, entrenched historical ties among the three nations and the continuous pursuit of strengthening bonds of Islamic brotherhood and solidarity, as well as advancing shared strategic interests, according to a statement from the Council of Ministers.
The Saudi monarch also praised the outcomes of the trilateral summit in solidifying a long-term defense partnership framework, which will contribute to enhancing joint cooperation, coordination, and integration among Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. He emphasized the continuation of efforts to address regional challenges and safeguard international peace and security, thereby supporting the aspirations of the peoples of the region and the world for a more prosperous and thriving future.
In a related development, a statement issued by the Saudi Council of Ministers clarified that the council monitored developments and trends on both the regional and international fronts. It highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to communicate and coordinate with sister and friendly nations to support de-escalation initiatives in the region, promote diplomatic solutions, and reinforce respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. The statement also stressed the importance of ensuring the security of waterways in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, describing them as a fundamental pillar of global economic stability.
Concurrently, the council welcomed the statement issued by members of the UN Security Council, which condemned the terrorist attacks and criminal acts by the Houthi militia that threaten regional security and freedom of maritime navigation. It reaffirmed the Kingdom’s right to defend its security and assets, and reiterated its steadfast support for the legitimate Yemeni government and UN efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in Yemen.
The Council of Ministers also commended the steps taken at the ministerial meeting in support of Jerusalem and its holy sites, held in the Jordanian capital, Amman. In this context, it firmly rejected all attempts to alter the legal and historical status of Jerusalem or infringe upon its identity. It also called on the international community to halt Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, protect holy sites, and support the resilience of the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. The call reviewed prospects for joint action between the two countries and discussed recent developments in the region, as well as support for diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation. These efforts seek to ensure the security of waterways in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, guarantee freedom of navigation in these areas, and contribute to maintaining regional peace and stability.
