Abu Dhabi: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah warned on Monday that foreign meddling in Arab internal affairs destabilises the region through supporting armed terrorist militias and stoking sectarian and ethnic divisions.
Speaking before an Arab-Chinese ministerial virtual meeting, Prince Faisal affirmed such meddling requires a “serious stance” from the international community.
Saudi Arabia underscores the unity and sovereignty of Arab territories, he added, saying that Riyadh does not interfere in their internal affairs and opposes anything that destabilizes the region.
Prince Faisal said Arab-Chinese cooperation was growing stronger, noting that it is based on each side “respecting international law, the sovereignty and independence of nations and resolving conflicts through peaceful means.”
He said that both sides are keen on “expanding and deepening” cooperation in order to achieve mutual interests.
“Joint efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic are among the fruits of this cooperation,” he noted.
Prince Faisal hailed Beijing for its support to the Palestinian people’s rights, the 2002 Arab peace initiative and two-state solution.
On Saudi-Chinese relations, the minister said they are bound by “growing ties of friendship in all fields, which will pave the way for a comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Beijing is Riyadh’s greatest trade partner, he noted, representing 13 per cent of the kingdom’s exports and 15 per cent of its imports.
