Saudi Ambassador in Belgium Advocates for Arab Peace Initiative
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Belgium, Khaled bin Ibrahim Al Jindan called for returning to the Arab Peace Initiative. He emphasized the importance of ending the occupation and granting Palestinians the opportunity to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the 1967 borders.
Revisiting Arab Peace Initiative: Call from Saudi Ambassador
Addressing the Jerusalem issue and the refugee crisis are vital components of the Arab Peace Initiative. Al Jindan pointed out that the recent events underscore the need to revisit this initiative. It addresses the core issues driving the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman called for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. He emphasized this would ensure security and prosperity for all.
Speaking at the inaugural summit between Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Salman expressed deep concern about escalating violence in Gaza.
He stressed, “Innocent civilians are paying the price for the violence in Gaza.”
The Crown Prince condemned the targeting of civilians, describing it as a “heinous crime and brutal assault.”
He urged for an end to military actions against civilians and critical infrastructure impacting their daily lives. Salman emphasized the need for a permanent peace leading to a Palestinian state.
The Riyadh GCC-ASEAN Summit, being held on Friday, marks a significant milestone in the relations between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This summit aims to strengthen strategic cooperation between the two blocs, covering political, security, and economic aspects. The GCC and ASEAN established relations since 1990 and this is their first-ever summit. The meeting held at the Al-Faisaliah Hotel on Wednesday, organized by the Gulf Research Center, served as a precursor to this historic event.
Importance of GCC-ASEAN Strategic Cooperation
Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Uwaisheg, GCC assistant secretary-general for political affairs and negotiations, emphasized the significance of the Riyadh summit, considering the current regional events and circumstances. The primary goal of the meeting is to enhance strategic cooperation between leaders from the Gulf and Asia, fostering mutual benefits and shared prosperity. The trade exchange of goods between the GCC and ASEAN countries has already exceeded $110 billion, showcasing the substantial volume of foreign trade between these regions. This figure signifies the immense potential for further economic collaboration and growth.
