On Behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Foreign Minister Participates in the BRICS Plus Summitc

On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah led today the Kingdom's delegation participating in the BRICS Plus Summit 2024, held in Kazan, Russia, as an invited country to join the BRICS group. During the summit, His Highness delivered a speech conveying the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister to President Vladimir Putin and the leaders of the BRICS nations. His Highness also expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and generous hospitality. His Highness highlighted the growing relations between the Kingdom and BRICS countries, noting that the volume of bilateral trade with BRICS countries exceeded $196 billion in 2023, accounting for 37% of the Kingdom's total foreign trade. He emphasized that the summit provides an opportunity to enhance cooperation with BR ICS countries to address global challenges and support sustainable development. On international issues, His Highness expressed the Kingdom's concern over escalating global tensions, stating: 'At a time when we most need to confront global challenges, we witness rising tensions, polarization, and alignments that weaken the flexibility and effectiveness of multilateral forums. The Kingdom supports strengthening international institutions to meet the needs of all countries.' In his speech, His Highness also addressed developments in Gaza, stating, 'The ongoing Israeli aggression poses a serious threat to regional and international security.' He warned that the current escalation has extended to Lebanon, cautioning that the continuation of this conflict will exacerbate the situation in the region. He stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian aid, the release of hostages, and a serious commitment to achieving lasting peace. His Highness referred to the Kingdom's efforts to promote pe ace in the region, including the launch of the 'Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution' initiative last month in cooperation with international partners. He emphasized, 'Granting the Palestinian people the right to self-determination is the only path to sustainable peace,' and praised the BRICS nations for their solidarity with the Palestinian cause and their support for a solution based on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. In concluding his speech, His Highness affirmed that the Kingdom will continue to strengthen its partnerships with BRICS countries and expand avenues of cooperation in all fields in pursuit of global development and prosperity. The Summit was attended by Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Russia, Abdulrahman bin Sulaiman Al-Ahmad, the Director General of the Office of His Highness the Foreign Minister, Abdulrahman Aldawood, the Director General of International Organizations, Shaher Al-Khon aini, and Mohammed Alyahya, the Advisor to HH the Foreign Minister. Source: Saudi Press Agency