RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has said lasting regional stability can only be achieved through diplomacy and sustainable political solutions, rather than military force.
He made the remarks while speaking via video link at the 16th Gulf Research Forum held in Cambridge, United Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Wednesday.
Diplomacy essential to address root causes of regional instability
During his address, Prince Faisal said the region is once again at a defining moment, warning that recent developments have shown how rapidly regional tensions could spill over and affect global security, energy markets and economic growth.
He stressed that collective efforts should focus on safeguarding the rules-based international order and creating conditions for sustainable diplomatic solutions that deliver genuine security and lasting peace, rather than temporary ceasefires or periodic de-escalation.
Foreign Minister HH Prince @FaisalbinFarhan participates in Gulf Research Meeting, and affirms diplomacy as the only path to lasting regional stability. pic.twitter.com/1I1osd6mgN
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) July 22, 2026
He said the goal should be not only to contain tensions but also to address the root causes of instability.
The Saudi foreign minister further said that a stable regional order must be founded on the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, including respect for sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, good-neighbourliness, non-aggression, freedom of navigation, adherence to international law and refraining from supporting non-state actors.
He emphasised that these principles form the cornerstone of any durable and stable regional order.
Prince Faisal calls for rules-based regional order and shared prosperity
The foreign minister added that violations of these principles must carry real costs and be met with accountability, stressing that aggression, coercion, interference, and attempts to impose dominance or pursue hegemonic ambitions ultimately generate insecurity and are incompatible with the stable and prosperous region that all seek.
Prince Faisal expressed optimism about the region’s future despite the current challenges, saying Saudi Vision 2030 is built on the conviction that development, innovation and opportunity offer a more sustainable path than conflict and confrontation.
He said unlocking the region’s vast potential requires a stable environment where governments, businesses and societies can focus on growth, investment, education and cooperation instead of recurring crises.
He urged regional stakeholders to seize the current moment to lay the foundations for a more cooperative and stable regional order based on clear principles, mutual respect and lasting agreements that promote peace, security and shared prosperity.
Concluding his remarks, the Saudi foreign minister underscored the importance of forums such as the Gulf Research Meeting in fostering dialogue, enhancing mutual understanding and generating ideas that contribute to a more stable, prosperous and cooperative future.
