Hussien Elkabany and Mohammad Sio
26 September 2026•Update: 26 September 2026
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday called for serious international cooperation to protect freedom of navigation and stressed that any arrangements for regional security should be comprehensive.
“Protecting international navigation is a shared responsibility that requires serious international cooperation,” he said in an address to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, where he is heading the Saudi delegation.
Prince Faisal added that Riyadh supports efforts to reduce tensions in the region and stressed “the importance that any arrangements for its security be comprehensive.”
The top Saudi diplomat also voiced support for initiatives aimed at de-escalation, particularly efforts by Qatar and Pakistan, saying they can help restore regional stability.
On Palestine, Prince Faisal said obstructing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and attempts to displace Palestinians constitute violations of international law.
He also said the continued expansion of illegal Israeli settlements represents a serious violation of international law and international humanitarian law.
On Syria, Prince Faisal reiterated Riyadh’s rejection of any violations that threaten the country’s security and stability.
He also welcomed the US decision to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Turning to Iraq, Prince Faisal affirmed Saudi support for Iraq’s sovereignty, security, and stability.
He stressed that Iraqi territory should not be used as a launching point for attacks against neighboring countries.
