Saudi Arabia regrets the damage to the Qatari embassy in Kyiv and calls for calm
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its deep regret and full solidarity with the sisterly State of Qatar following the material damage sustained by the Qatari Embassy building in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as a result of the recent shelling of the city. This Saudi stance reaffirms the strong fraternal ties that bind the two brotherly countries and the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to the safety and security of diplomatic missions in conflict zones.
Refusal to target diplomatic missions
In its statement, the Kingdom affirmed its categorical rejection of any attacks on diplomatic premises, emphasizing the need to protect diplomatic missions and their staff from the repercussions of military operations. This position is based on established principles of international law, specifically the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which clearly stipulates the inviolability of diplomatic premises and obligates host states and parties to a conflict to provide them with the necessary protection and not to endanger them under any circumstances.
Context of the Ukrainian crisis and escalating tensions
This incident comes amid escalating military operations in Ukraine, with the capital, Kyiv, and several other cities experiencing waves of rocket fire targeting infrastructure and vital centers. This escalation has sparked widespread international concern regarding the safety of civilians and foreign missions operating in the country. The attack on the Qatari embassy serves as a stark reminder of the grave dangers posed by the ongoing war, the effects of which are not limited to the military and civilian sectors, but also extend to diplomatic missions that are supposed to enjoy full immunity.
Saudi position calling for de-escalation
Through this statement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterated its call for all parties to the conflict to exercise restraint and work towards de-escalation. Since the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, Riyadh has consistently advocated for political and diplomatic solutions to end the conflict, thereby preserving international peace and security. The Kingdom has previously played a successful mediating role in prisoner exchanges and has provided substantial humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Ukrainian people, reflecting its moral and political commitment to global stability.
Gulf solidarity and unity
The Saudi statement reflects the swift response to the incident affecting Qatar, highlighting the depth of coordination and cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. This solidarity underscores that the security of Gulf diplomatic missions is indivisible, and that the GCC states stand united in confronting external challenges, calling on the international community to uphold its responsibilities in protecting diplomatic norms and ensuring that such incidents, which threaten international communication channels during times of crisis, are not repeated.
