Davos, January 22, 2025 – Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in a key public session titled "Diplomacy amid Disorder" at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. During the session, Prince Faisal addressed the complex challenges facing the Middle East but emphasized that, despite recent risks and ongoing challenges, the region holds immense potential for positive transformation and a brighter future. His comments were framed by optimism, particularly regarding the latest developments in Syria, Lebanon, and the Gaza Strip, which he believes offer promising opportunities for peace, stability, and progress.
Prince Faisal turned his focus first to Syria, highlighting the country's significant capabilities and abundant resources, which he described as essential factors in the country's ability to chart a positive path forward. He stressed that the international community has a critical role to play in supporting Syria’s recovery, underlining the need for global participation to foster stability and ensure that the Syrian people can achieve a better future. The Foreign Minister noted that Saudi Arabia has observed a strong willingness from the new Syrian government to engage constructively with both regional partners and the international community, which he believes is a positive sign for the country’s future.
Reflecting on recent diplomatic engagements, Prince Faisal referenced his meeting with Syria’s new foreign minister in Riyadh, as well as his participation in last week's Riyadh meetings on Syria, which were hosted by the Kingdom. These diplomatic efforts, he explained, were integral to fostering dialogue and cooperation aimed at addressing Syria's challenges. Additionally, he emphasized the need for lifting sanctions on Syria to facilitate broader humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people. Prince Faisal highlighted Saudi Arabia’s long-standing commitment to alleviating the suffering of Syrians, citing the Kingdom's early and sustained humanitarian relief efforts as evidence of its dedication to supporting the Syrian people through their hardships.
Turning to Lebanon, the Foreign Minister described the election of a new president following a prolonged political vacuum as a highly positive development. He viewed this as a crucial step toward stabilizing Lebanon's political landscape, which has long been marred by internal divisions and a lack of leadership. However, Prince Faisal was quick to stress that Lebanon must now pursue serious and meaningful reforms to reflect the aspirations of its people for a better future. He expressed hope that Lebanon's citizens would take responsibility for the decisions needed to guide their country onto a more stable and prosperous path, emphasizing that Lebanon's future depends on the resolve of its people to take decisive action.
Throughout his remarks, Prince Faisal conveyed a hopeful outlook for the Middle East, emphasizing that, while challenges remain, there are grounds for optimism in the region. His comments underscored Saudi Arabia’s proactive role in fostering regional stability and its commitment to supporting its neighbors in their efforts to overcome political and humanitarian crises. By engaging in dialogue, offering humanitarian aid, and advocating for essential reforms, Saudi Arabia continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a more peaceful and prosperous future for the Middle East.
Prince Faisal’s participation in the WEF panel highlighted the Kingdom’s diplomatic leadership and commitment to addressing regional instability through collaboration and support for lasting solutions. As the Middle East navigates its complex challenges, Saudi Arabia remains dedicated to helping guide the region toward a more hopeful and stable future, fostering peace and cooperation both regionally and globally.