Saudi Arabia, Nepal sign air transport services agreement

On behalf of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed Al-Kheraiji participated in a high-level gathering marking the 65th anniversary of the inaugural Non-Aligned Movement conference in Belgrade, Serbia's capital. Al-Kheraiji emphasized that Saudi Arabia regards de-escalation not as a fleeting objective, but as a means to shift focus towards sustainable development and enhancing the welfare of citizens.

He urged regional nations to refrain from actions that heighten tensions and instead strive for shared interests that foster stability and broaden opportunities for regional aspirations.

Al-Kheraiji lauded Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and his administration for their commendable role in organizing the event amidst escalating global challenges. He reiterated Saudi Arabia's steadfast adherence to the Non-Aligned Movement's founding principles, including safeguarding state sovereignty and national decision-making, and opposing the use of force for conflict resolution.

This stance is evident in Saudi Arabia's diplomatic approach, which prioritizes dialogue, broadens cooperation, and backs initiatives aimed at mitigating conflict risks and bolstering global peace and security.

The deputy minister underscored the significance of the NAM as a cornerstone for collaborative international actions and the movement's steadfast advocacy for just causes, notably its resolute stance on the Palestinian cause and its focus on Middle Eastern security and stability. He highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue through the United Nations and the NAM to uphold peaceful political resolutions and promote compliance with international law, especially in the face of coercive policies and escalation, as underscored by Security Council Resolution 2817.

Al-Kheraiji pointed to the evident absence of political solutions in the Middle East, citing the Israeli occupation's ongoing actions in Gaza and the Palestinian territories, alongside Syrian attacks, which violate national sovereignty and regional peace. He reiterated Saudi Arabia's belief that peace is the only path to enduring security for all regional countries and peoples, emphasizing that attaining this goal necessitates the swift resolution of the Palestinian issue.

The Kingdom has been proactive in maintaining open communication, backing mediation efforts, and encouraging parties to address underlying tensions before they escalate into broader crises, he added.