Saudi foreign minister attends high-level interfaith dialogue in Rome

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah participated on Thursday in a high-level interfaith dialogue meeting in Rome, held as part of the implementation of a comprehensive peace plan. The meeting was chaired by Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, and attended by Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsin Aghabekian Shahin, member states of the International Coalition for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, and other international partners.

In his address, Prince Faisal emphasized that dialogue among followers of different faiths has become a strategic necessity and a fundamental pillar for building a just and lasting peace. He noted that the Abrahamic religions are founded on values of human dignity, justice, and peaceful coexistence, stressing that lasting security cannot be achieved while others are denied their legitimate rights.

Prince Faisal also highlighted the unique significance of Jerusalem to Muslims, Christians, and Jews, reaffirming Saudi Arabia's rejection of any attempts to alter the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites. He warned against repeated provocations at Al-Aqsa Mosque, attacks on holy sites, and actions that fuel religious tensions and undermine prospects for peace.

Saudi stance on violations and international measures

The foreign minister called for an immediate halt to settler violence against the Palestinian people, which he said is carried out with the protection or support of Israeli security forces, and stressed the need to hold those responsible accountable. He affirmed that the ongoing illegal settlement expansion violates Palestinians' rights to life, security, dignity, and self-determination, and undermines the foundations of peace and the chances for stability.

Prince Faisal commended measures taken by several international partners, such as banning imports of settlement products, imposing sanctions on human rights violators against Palestinians, and restricting entry for settlers involved in violence. He called for further steps to strengthen accountability and ensure that violations do not go unpunished.

International cooperation and the peace plan

In closing, Prince Faisal reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to working with the United States, the State of Palestine, and other international partners to implement the comprehensive peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, UN Security Council Resolution 2803, and the New York Declaration, including the implementation of Article 18, which calls for launching an interfaith dialogue track based on values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Attending the meeting from the Saudi side was Dr. Manal bint Hassan Radwan, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.