Saudi Arabia expresses solidarity with Qatar after its embassy in Kyiv was damaged
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its deep regret and dismay at the material damage inflicted on the Qatari embassy building in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as a result of the missile attack that targeted the city amidst the ongoing military escalation. This stance reflects the depth of the fraternal relations between the Kingdom and Qatar, and Riyadh's unwavering commitment to solidarity with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in all circumstances.
A firm rejection of targeting diplomatic missions
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its official statement, affirmed the Kingdom's complete rejection of any targeting of diplomatic missions or their personnel, stressing the need to spare diplomatic missions the ravages of military conflicts. The Ministry indicated that such incidents constitute a clear violation of international norms that guarantee the protection and inviolability of diplomatic premises under all circumstances, and called upon all conflicting parties to exercise restraint and respect international law.
The context of the Ukrainian war and its impact on the capital, Kyiv
This incident comes amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has witnessed a marked escalation in attacks targeting infrastructure and vital centers in the capital, Kyiv, and other cities. Since the outbreak of the conflict, numerous sensitive areas have been subjected to intense shelling, resulting in collateral damage to civilian and diplomatic property. The damage to the Qatari embassy is part of the serious repercussions of this conflict, which has cast a shadow over regional and international security and stability, necessitating serious international action to halt the escalation.
The importance of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
Legally, this incident underscores the importance of adhering to the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which obligates host states and belligerent parties to protect diplomatic missions and prevent their intrusion or damage. The Saudi position stems from the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to international law, as Riyadh considers the safety of diplomats and their premises a fundamental pillar for the continuation of international communication and dialogue, even during times of war and crisis.
Saudi Arabia's role in advocating for peaceful solutions
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its good offices to advocate for a political and diplomatic solution to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. The Kingdom has previously played a pivotal role in successful mediation efforts to exchange prisoners between the two sides, underscoring its neutral and positive stance aimed at alleviating human suffering. Its solidarity with Qatar in this incident reaffirms the unity of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its unified position on issues affecting the security and safety of GCC member states' missions abroad.
