The Saudi Foreign Minister affirms the Palestinians' right to self-determination
During his participation in the Munich Security Conference, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's unwavering stance on the Palestinian issue, emphasizing the Palestinian people's inherent right to self-determination. These remarks underscored the necessity of reaching a just and comprehensive solution that guarantees the restoration of the Palestinians' legitimate rights in accordance with international law.
This statement gains particular significance given the international platform from which it was launched. The Munich Security Conference is one of the world's most important forums, bringing together decision-makers and world leaders to discuss current security and political challenges. Saudi diplomacy used this platform to reiterate that stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved without addressing the root causes of the conflict, foremost among them ending the occupation and enabling Palestinians to build their own independent national institutions.
Against the backdrop of this historical position, the Kingdom bases its vision on the Arab Peace Initiative, launched in 2002, which serves as a strategic roadmap for achieving comprehensive peace. This initiative, adopted by Arab and Islamic states, calls for Israel's complete withdrawal from the Arab territories occupied in 1967 in exchange for normalization of relations, while emphasizing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Foreign Minister's remarks in Munich reaffirm that these principles remain unchanged and constitute the cornerstone of any future negotiations.
At both the regional and international levels, this affirmation carries profound implications amidst the escalating tensions in the region. It sends a clear message to the international community about the necessity of upholding its moral and legal responsibilities to push for the reactivation of the peace process and to avoid partial solutions that fail to meet the aspirations of the Palestinian people. It also underscores the leading role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in mobilizing international support for the Palestinian cause and in striving to redirect the political compass towards the two-state solution as the only viable option for guaranteeing security and peaceful coexistence.
The minister concluded his vision by pointing out that ignoring the Palestinians’ right to self-determination not only threatens the security of the region, but also undermines the credibility of the international system based on respect for international law and conventions, calling on international partners to take concrete steps that go beyond statements of condemnation and concern to actions that translate into reality on the ground.
