Saudi Arabia expresses solidarity with Qatar after its embassy in Kyiv was damaged

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its deep regret and dismay at the material damage sustained by the building of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as a result of the recent shelling of the city. This stance reflects solidarity with the State of Qatar and reaffirms the strong fraternal ties that bind the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.

The Ministry affirmed in its official statement the Kingdom's categorical rejection of any attack on diplomatic premises, stressing the need for all parties to respect international laws and norms. The Ministry emphasized the importance of providing full protection for members of diplomatic missions and their premises, in accordance with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which clearly stipulates the inviolability of diplomatic premises and obligates host countries to take all necessary measures to protect them from any intrusion or damage.

The context of the crisis and its impact on diplomatic efforts

This incident comes amid ongoing military operations and the escalating Russian-Ukrainian crisis, with Kyiv and other cities subjected to frequent shelling that damages infrastructure and threatens the safety of civilians and foreign missions alike. Targeting areas where diplomatic missions are located poses a significant challenge to the international community, necessitating concerted efforts to ensure the neutrality of these sites in armed conflicts.

Saudi role and diplomatic efforts

In a related context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterated its firm and unwavering support for all international efforts aimed at resolving the crisis through peaceful and diplomatic means. Since the outbreak of the conflict, the Kingdom has adopted a policy of positive neutrality, and has sought, through its political influence and balanced relations with all parties, to play a mediating role to bridge the gaps between them and contribute to humanitarian efforts such as prisoner exchanges.

The Saudi statement reflects the Kingdom’s constant concern for the stability of international relations and sparing the world the horrors of war, calling on the international community to intensify efforts to stop the escalation and reach a political solution that guarantees security and stability in the region and the world.