Riyadh, November 11, 2024 – In a significant event today, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, inaugurated the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh. Acting on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, HRH the Crown Prince welcomed leaders and heads of delegations from across the Arab and Islamic world to the Kingdom, marking the opening of this crucial summit.
The event began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, setting a solemn and respectful tone for the discussions ahead. Following the recitation, HRH the Crown Prince addressed the attendees, delivering the opening speech on behalf of King Salman. The speech highlighted the pressing issues that led to the summit’s convening, including the ongoing Israeli attacks on Palestinian territories and the recent expansion of these hostilities into Lebanon.
In his speech, HRH the Crown Prince condemned Israel's brutal military actions, which have resulted in the tragic loss of over 150,000 Palestinian lives, the majority of them women and children. He emphasized Saudi Arabia's unwavering rejection of the genocide against the Palestinian people and the violations of Al-Aqsa Mosque's sanctity. The Crown Prince also criticized Israel’s efforts to undermine the Palestinian Authority’s role in Palestinian territories, which he described as hindering peace efforts and the pursuit of legitimate Palestinian rights.
Additionally, the speech condemned Israel’s actions in Lebanon, including military operations targeting Lebanese territories and the displacement of Lebanese citizens. The Kingdom reiterated its strong support for the people of Palestine and Lebanon, standing in solidarity with them during these difficult times and urging the international community to take immediate action to halt the Israeli attacks. The Crown Prince also called for an end to Israeli military threats against the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Further in the speech, HRH the Crown Prince reaffirmed the collective condemnation of Israeli aggression by the Arab and Islamic nations. He underscored the importance of the Palestinian cause and highlighted the Kingdom's advocacy for the international recognition of the State of Palestine and its rights, as outlined in United Nations General Assembly resolutions. Saudi Arabia has also launched the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, in partnership with the European Union and Norway, urging other countries to join this pivotal initiative.
The Crown Prince emphasized the ongoing efforts to establish a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment to ensuring Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The speech concluded with a hopeful note, expressing the expectation that the summit would contribute to achieving the shared goals of peace, stability, and justice in the region.
A notable delegation representing Saudi Arabia at the summit included prominent figures such as Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State and Cabinet Member Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, Sport Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, National Guard Minister Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of State, Cabinet Member and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, and HRH the Crown Prince’s Secretary, Dr. Bandar Al-Rasheed.
This summit represents a critical moment for the Arab and Islamic world to come together in solidarity, address regional crises, and renew their commitment to resolving the long-standing Palestinian issue.
