PARIS: The Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji has emphasized the importance of collective commitment to assist Lebanon in confronting its current crisis and mitigating its humanitarian repercussions, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Thursday.
He was delivering a speech at the International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty, held in Paris. He represented Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah at the event.
Eng. ElKhereiji reiterated the Kingdom’s support for international efforts to enhance Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty. He stated that under the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands by the Lebanese people in these challenging times and the Kingdom’s full commitment to supporting all efforts to achieve a ceasefire and activate sustainable diplomatic solutions to bring peace to Lebanon, maintain its stability, and respect its sovereignty.
Eng. ElKhereiji emphasized the significance of supporting Lebanon’s state institutions in fulfilling their constitutional duties to extend the state’s sovereignty over all Lebanese territory. He remarked, “Permanent stability can only be achieved by building a strong state capable of asserting its sovereignty and performing its legitimate role in serving the Lebanese people.”
The minister highlighted the pivotal national role played by the Lebanese army in maintaining Lebanon’s security and stability, adding that the army is the cornerstone of enabling the Lebanese state to initiate steps toward securing a safe future for the Lebanese people, free from conflicts.
He stressed the need to adhere to the relevant global resolutions aimed at safeguarding Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence, as well as implementing the Taif Agreement, which serves as a framework for ensuring Lebanon’s stability and national unity.
He also noted the Kingdom’s commitment and supportive stance toward the Lebanese people. He highlighted the Kingdom’s initiative to provide urgent humanitarian aid by delivering medical, relief, and shelter supplies through an ongoing air bridge to alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese people and meet their urgent needs in these critical circumstances.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to France Fahd Alruwaily and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Bukhari were also present on the occasion.
