Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said Sunday that the kingdom will not tolerate any threat to its security, warning that continued regional escalation could widen the confrontation, according to Anadolu Agency.
Speaking at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, bin Farhan expressed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for the invitation to participate, Saudi state broadcaster Al Ekhbariya reported.
“The integrity of the kingdom’s territory and its sovereignty are not open to compromise, and we will not accept the targeting of our land or facilities under any pretext or label,” he said.
He also cautioned that “continued escalation in the region is widening the scope of the confrontation.”
The senior diplomat said stability in the Gulf is an international concern closely tied to the stability of the global economy.
He said the priority amid current regional tensions should be de-escalation and creating room for political and diplomatic efforts.
He added that security in the Gulf cannot be achieved without respect for the sovereignty and independence of Gulf states, noninterference in their internal affairs, good-neighborly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Bin Farhan also stressed the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and ensuring the safety of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and other international waterways.
“Any disruption there will have repercussions for global markets, supply chains and economic growth,” he warned.
On Saturday, Saudi authorities said two people were injured after a projectile launched by Yemen’s Houthi group landed in Al-Tuwal province in the kingdom’s southwestern Jazan region.
The previous day, Saudi Arabia said injuries had been reported and the East-West pipeline was temporarily shut down as a precaution after drone strikes launched from Iraq hit the Riyadh and Medina regions.
The incidents come amid escalating fighting in Yemen between government forces and the Houthi group.
Yemen has been at war since the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and several provinces in September 2014, prompting a Saudi-led Arab coalition to intervene in March 2015 in support of the internationally recognized government.
Also Read
- President Trump Praises Potential Reunification of Northern Ireland with Republic of Ireland
- Trump says US can ‘easily’ afford $1.2T price tag for $5K dividend to adults
- Peter Magyar announces upcoming changes to child adoption regulations for singles and same-sex couples
- Trump Reaffirms Position on United Ireland During Second Day of Visit
