KSA, Iran share same stance on Gaza war

December 13, 2023 - 20:24

TEHRAN- Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has stated that the kingdom shares Iran’s position over the Gaza issue and that further international efforts are needed to put a stop to Israel’s assault on the Palestinian people.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud held a meeting on the sidelines of the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) in Geneva on Wednesday.

During their discussion, the two senior diplomats talked about a variety of bilateral, regional, and global topics, with a focus on finding a solution to stop the Zionist regime’s attacks on Gaza.

Saudi Arabia, according to Bin Farhan, agrees with Iran on the need of supporting the Palestinian people, establishing a prompt truce in Gaza, and delivering humanitarian relief to the beleaguered enclave.

The Saudi minister praised the improving relations between Riyadh and Tehran, calling them “on the right track,” and stated that his nation supports the growth of political and economic cooperation with Iran.

He called for the fulfillment of the accords, hailing the two countries’ cooperation agreements as a strong point.

Amir Abdollahian expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit to discuss the Gaza conflict.

He also condemned the ongoing war crimes and genocide committed by the Israeli regime in Gaza and the West Bank, calling for concerted efforts from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the other Muslim and regional states to put pressure on the U.S. and Zionist regime to guarantee an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.

“Israeli war in Gaza may spark regional burst”

Amir Abdollahian and his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib held a meeting on the sidelines of the GRF in Switzerland on Tuesday.

The foreign minister of Iran issued a warning, stating that if the Zionist regime’s military attacks on Gaza continue, it could escalate tensions and lead to a regional explosion.

“Iran and Lebanon are on the same front, and Iran only wants the best interests of the Lebanese government, nation, and resistance front,” Amir Abdollahian said, praising the ongoing discussions on a range of bilateral and regional issues between Tehran and Beirut.

Touching on the critical circumstances in Palestine, the senior Iranian diplomat said, “It is necessary that the United States put an end to its unlimited support for the Zionist regime and its war crimes against the Palestinian nation.” 

“Lebanon has always been one of the key pillars of anti-Zionist resistance in the region,” Amir Abdollahian continued, emphasizing the necessity for joint efforts to stop the Zionists’ genocide in Palestine.

For his part, the Lebanese foreign minister expressed satisfaction with the meeting with his Iranian counterpart, stating that “consultations between the two sides have always been fruitful and constructive.”

Bou Habib also spoke on the situation in Lebanon, namely the situation along the country’s southern borders with territories under occupation. 

Iran warns of U.S. post-war plot for Gaza

Amir Abdollahian held talks with his Tunisian counterpart Nabil Ammar on the sidelines of the GRF in Geneva on Tuesday.

Iran’s foreign minister asserted that in order to make up for the Zionist regime’s inability to crush the Palestinian resistance groups, the U.S. administration is orchestrating political schemes for the Gaza Strip’s post-war destiny.

Amir Abdollahian emphasized the need for Islamic countries to resolutely stand with Palestine in opposition to the Zionist regime’s ongoing war crimes and brutal attacks in Gaza and the West Bank. 

He further highlighted the blow to the Zionist regime’s dignity on October 7 and its inability to produce meaningful results despite committing heinous war crimes against Palestinian citizens over the last two months.

Ammar, for his part, underlined the need of working together to raise relations to a higher level.

He also advocated for more effective measures to strengthen relationships, notably in the economic and commercial domains, in line with their political ties.

The Tunisian foreign minister praised Iran for its constant support for Palestine, saying, “In Tunisia, we ardently support the cause of Palestine, firmly believing that killing the Palestinian nation will not lead to any gains.”

Iran appreciates Vatican for stances on Gaza war

In a meeting with the Vatican Prime Minister, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on Wednesday, Amir Abdollahian, expressing satisfaction with the meeting, pointed to the recent important telephone conversation between President Raisi and Pope Francis and welcomed the continuation of such talks between Iran and the Vatican in various fields.

He also regarded the religious and scientific dialogues between Iran and the Vatican vital and substantial, adding that Tehran always supports such dialogues.

Iran’s top diplomat appreciated the Vatican’s good positions regarding Palestine and said, “We believe that the Vatican can play an effective role in ending the genocide in Palestine.”

For his part, Cardinal Parolin expressed concern on the current situation in Palestine and said that “Vatican supports the establishment of a ceasefire and an immediate end to the war in Palestine.”

He emphasized that Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized the necessity of stopping the war and establishing a ceasefire, sending humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, and finding a political solution to the crisis.

“Concerted efforts required to end Gaza war”

In another meeting with his Jordian counterpart, Ayman Safadi, on Wednesday, Abdollahian thanked Jordan for its efforts to support Palestine, establish a ceasefire and end the genocide of Palestinians. 

He also pointed to the evil plans of the Zionist regime to advance its expansionist plans and displace the Palestinian people from Gaza and the West Bank, noting that it is necessary to shore up extensive efforts to support the Palestinian people, strengthen their stability, and send large-scale humanitarian aid.

Safadi, for his part, also expressed satisfaction with the meeting, stating that the Palestinian people are not only killed by bombing, but also by the lack of food and medicine and the devastation of places and hospitals.

He also described the dire situation in Gaza as “tragic” where lots of people have been stuck under the rubble.

Iran appreciates Kuwait strong positions on Gaza

In yet another meeting with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on Wednesday, Amir Abdollahian appreciated the strong supportive positions of the government, the parliament and the people of Kuwait toward Palestine.

Emphasizing the importance of continuous consultations between the two countries at different levels, he described them as “important and effective” in the development of relations between the two countries.

For his part, the top Kuwaiti diplomat welcomed the joint efforts to develop relations between the two countries.

He underscored the Kuwaiti government’s position in support of the Palestinian nation and the establishment of a Palestinian state in the Palestinian territories as a fixed and unchangeable position of Kuwait. 

He emphasized the necessity of trying to thwart the Israeli regime in pursuing expansionist plans and ending the attacks against Gaza and establishing a ceasefire.