Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Dialogue and Regional Cooperation at ASEAN Treaty Conference
Manila, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and regional cooperation while underscoring the importance of preventive diplomacy during the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) Conference held in Manila.
Representing Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji addressed the conference, themed “Conflict Prevention and Preventive Diplomacy,” stressing that constructive dialogue, mutual trust, and enhanced regional cooperation remain essential to promoting peace and stability.
Al-Khuraiji commended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for its pivotal role in fostering regional peace, stability, and prosperity. He welcomed the progress achieved through recent ASEAN summits in advancing economic integration and addressing regional and global challenges.
The deputy foreign minister reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to deepening its partnership with ASEAN by building on the outcomes of the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summits. He noted that stronger collaboration between the two regions could create new opportunities for sustainable growth, resilience, and shared prosperity.
Highlighting the Kingdom’s foreign policy priorities, Al-Khuraiji said Saudi Arabia continues to advocate dialogue, diplomacy, and de-escalation as the only sustainable path toward lasting peace and regional stability.
He also reiterated the Kingdom’s condemnation of what he described as Iran’s unlawful attacks on oil and gas tankers, critical infrastructure, and civilian facilities in the Gulf. Al-Khuraiji reaffirmed the right of states to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
Addressing the situation in Yemen, Al-Khuraiji rejected allegations by the Houthi movement accusing Saudi Arabia of imposing a blockade on the country, describing the claims as false. He also condemned the Houthis’ repeated attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to regional security and stability.
The deputy foreign minister reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s continued support for the Yemeni people and the country’s internationally recognized government.
Referring to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform agenda, Al-Khuraiji said Saudi Arabia’s approach prioritizes cooperation over confrontation, emphasizing that stronger economic partnerships can serve as a foundation for lasting peace and shared prosperity.
As a signatory to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, he said Saudi Arabia remains committed to advancing the treaty’s principles by strengthening multilateral cooperation, promoting preventive diplomacy, safeguarding freedom of navigation, and encouraging dialogue as the preferred means of peacefully resolving disputes.
