Al-Khuraiji at the Ashgabat Forum: Trust and dialogue are the foundation of lasting peace
On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister - may God protect them - His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, participated today in the work of the “International Forum for Peace and Confidence,” which is being hosted by the Turkmen capital, Ashgabat, amidst a high-level international presence aimed at strengthening frameworks of joint cooperation between countries.
At the outset of his remarks, His Excellency conveyed the greetings of the wise leadership to the participants, expressing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's gratitude and appreciation to the Republic of Turkmenistan for its tireless diplomatic efforts, particularly its important initiative at the United Nations General Assembly, which culminated in the adoption of a resolution declaring 2025 the "International Year of Peace and Trust." This step comes at a crucial time when the world needs concerted efforts to strengthen dialogue, encourage constructive cooperation, and consolidate the principles of mutual respect among peoples and nations on a broad global scale.
Pillars of peace: trust, dialogue, and development
In his address, Engineer Al-Khuraiji emphasized the Kingdom's firm vision regarding the concepts of international peace and security, stressing that peacemaking cannot be reduced to merely signing political agreements or treaties. He explained, "Lasting peace cannot be achieved simply by signing an agreement or treaty. True peace is a long and continuous process that begins with building trust step by step, followed by courageous and honest dialogue characterized by transparency, leading to comprehensive and equitable development that transforms people from victims of conflicts and wars into active partners in building and prosperity.".
Preventive diplomacy and the Kingdom's vision
In a related context, His Excellency reviewed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's pioneering efforts in the field of "preventive diplomacy," which is a cornerstone of Saudi foreign policy. He noted that the Kingdom consistently prioritizes dialogue and mediation to resolve conflicts peacefully before they escalate, thus contributing to regional and international stability. These political efforts are complemented by the Kingdom's humanitarian role in providing relief and development assistance to affected countries, as well as its ongoing initiatives to promote dialogue among followers of different religions and cultures, and its unwavering support for effective international organizations.
The importance of the forum in the current international context
This forum is of exceptional importance given the current geopolitical tensions in the world, highlighting the urgent need to rebuild lost trust among international actors. The Kingdom's participation reflects its deep commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and its tireless pursuit of collective security. It also underscores the Kingdom's pivotal role as a peacemaker and a reliable partner in global development, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030, which views regional stability as a prerequisite for achieving economic development and social well-being for the people of the region and the world.
