Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and regional cooperation at the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation Conference in Manila, while condemning unlawful Iranian attacks on Gulf infrastructure and rejecting Houthi allegations against the Kingdom, according to official statements delivered at the event.
Saudi Arabia Outlines Vision 2030 and Multilateral Cooperation at Manila TAC Conference
Representing Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji addressed the conference titled “Conflict Prevention and Preventive Diplomacy.” According to Al-Khuraiji, the Kingdom prioritizes dialogue, building mutual trust, and expanding regional cooperation as the only reliable path to lasting peace and stability.
Al-Khuraiji stated that Saudi Arabia recognizes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its vital role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. The deputy foreign minister welcomed progress made through recent ASEAN summits in advancing economic integration and addressing regional and global challenges.
Did you know? The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia serves as a key code of conduct for inter-state relations in the region, emphasizing universal principles of peaceful coexistence and friendly cooperation.
Strengthening ASEAN-GCC Partnerships for Shared Prosperity
Building on the outcomes of ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summits, Saudi Arabia aims to deepen economic and strategic partnerships. Al-Khuraiji noted that closer collaboration between the two blocs can unlock new opportunities for growth, resilience, and shared prosperity across both regions.
Highlighting the domestic framework of Vision 2030, Al-Khuraiji explained that the Kingdom’s strategic approach prioritizes cooperation over confrontation. Economic partnerships serve as a primary driver of lasting peace, according to the deputy foreign minister.
Condemning Iranian Attacks and Houthi False Allegations in the Gulf
During the conference, Al-Khuraiji reiterated the Kingdom’s condemnation of Iran’s unlawful attacks on oil and gas tankers, critical infrastructure, and civilian areas in the Gulf. He reaffirmed the inherent right of states to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
The deputy foreign minister also condemned false allegations from the Houthi group accusing Saudi Arabia of imposing a blockade on Yemen. He denounced the group’s repeated attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, stating that these actions threaten broader regional stability while reaffirming the Kingdom’s steadfast support for the Yemeni people and their legitimate government.
Advancing Preventive Diplomacy and Freedom of Navigation
As a party to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, Saudi Arabia shares responsibility for advancing its core principles, according to Al-Khuraiji. These responsibilities include strengthening multilateral cooperation, supporting preventive diplomacy, safeguarding freedom of navigation, and promoting dialogue as the preferred means of resolving disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Saudi Arabia’s primary message at the TAC conference in Manila?
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and regional cooperation, emphasizing that cooperation and economic partnerships under Vision 2030 offer the best path to lasting peace.
Who represented Saudi Arabia at the conference?
Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji represented Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the Manila conference.
What did Saudi Arabia say regarding Iran and the Houthis?
Al-Khuraiji condemned unlawful Iranian attacks on Gulf oil tankers and critical infrastructure, invoked the right to self-defense under UN Charter Article 51, and rejected Houthi allegations regarding a blockade on Yemen while denouncing Houthi attacks on civilians.
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