Saudi foreign minister says kingdom’s security ‘not open to compromise’

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said Sunday that the kingdom will not accept any threat to its security, warning that continued escalation in the region risks widening the confrontation.

In an address to the BRICS summit in the Indian capital New Delhi, bin Farhan expressed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for the invitation to participate in the summit, according to Saudi state-run Al Ekhbariya television.

“The integrity of the Kingdom’s territory and its sovereignty are not open to compromise, and we will not accept the targeting of our territory or facilities under any pretext or designation,” he stressed.

​​​​​​​He also warned that “continued escalation in the region is widening the scope of the confrontation.”

The top diplomat said stability in the Gulf is an international concern closely linked to the stability of the global economy.

He said the priority amid current regional developments should be de-escalation and creating space for political and diplomatic efforts.

He added that security in the Gulf cannot be achieved without respect for the sovereignty and independence of Gulf states, noninterference in their internal affairs, adherence to good-neighborly relations and a peaceful settlement of disputes.

Bin Farhan also stressed the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and the safety of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and other international waterways.

“Any disruption there will have repercussions for global markets, supply chains and economic growth,” he warned.

On Saturday, Saudi authorities said two people were injured after a projectile launched by Yemen’s Houthi group fell in Al-Tuwal province in the southwestern Jazan region.

A day earlier, Saudi Arabia said injuries were reported and the East-West pipeline was temporarily shut down as a precaution after drone strikes from Iraq hit the Riyadh and Medina regions.

The developments come amid escalating fighting in Yemen between government forces and the Houthi group.

​​​​​​​Yemen has been at war since the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa and several provinces in September 2014, prompting a Saudi-led Arab coalition to intervene in March 2015 in support of the internationally recognized government.