Ahmad Muhammad.
In a significant statement reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s longstanding stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman declared that the Kingdom would not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is realized.
The statement was delivered during the inauguration of the ninth session of the Shura Council, on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
He said, “We reiterate Saudi Arabia’s firm rejection and strong condemnation of the Israeli occupation authority’s crimes against the Palestinian people, which flagrantly violate international and humanitarian law, adding to their long and bitter suffering.
“The kingdom will not cease its tireless efforts in pursuit of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we affirm that no diplomatic ties with Israel will be established until this is achieved,” he added.
He further said that the Kingdom is keen to cooperate with all effective countries in the international community, affirming its certainty that what protects humanity and preserves its civilizational values is the common pursuit of a better future based on fruitful cooperation between countries and people.
He further explained that “respecting the independence of countries and their values, adhering to the principle of good neighborliness, non-interference in their internal affairs, and avoiding resorting to violence to resolve disputes.
“The Kingdom also seeks to enhance regional and international security and peace, by making efforts to reach political solutions to the crises in Yemen, Sudan, Libya, and others, and also supports solutions in international crises such as the Russian-Ukrainian crisis,” he added.
The crown prince outlined the kingdom’s foreign policy, expressing a commitment to working with all influential nations in the international community.
He emphasised that safeguarding humanity and preserving its values depends on the collective pursuit of a better future through fruitful cooperation, respect for national sovereignty, adherence to good neighbourly principles, non-interference in internal affairs, and avoiding resorting to force in resolving conflicts.
Speaking on the country’s achievements in last few years, Prince Salman said, “Our country has achieved many fundamental achievements during this great journey, and among them are the non-oil activities in the Kingdom, which recorded their highest contribution to the real GDP at 50% last year, which enhances the sustainability and comprehensiveness of growth, achieving high quality in economic diversification.
“The Public Investment Fund continues its role in achieving its goals to be a driving force for investment. Unemployment among male and female citizens recorded its lowest historical level in the first quarter of 2024, reaching 7.6 % while it was 12.8% in 2017.
“The percentage of home ownership among citizens increased from 47% in 2016 to more than 63%. In the field of tourism, achievements preceded the target date, as the national tourism strategy which was launched in 2019 set a target of 100 million tourists in 2030, and this target was exceeded and reached 109 million tourists in 2023.
“The Kingdom has achieved 6th place among the most competitive countries. With the exploration of natural resources, the Kingdom has become one of the largest stores of natural resources in the world. Your country has also achieved an advanced position in the field of renewable energy, becomin