Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday said the Makkah Defence Alliance with Turkiye and Pakistan aims to bolster regional stability and shield the region from tensions and conflicts.
He made the remarks while delivering the annual royal address on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz during the opening of the third year of the ninth session of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council.
“To strengthen regional stability, shield it from the repercussions of tensions and conflicts, and coordinate efforts, the Makkah Defence Alliance was established between the kingdom, Turkiye and Pakistan,” the crown prince said.
He added the alliance was part of efforts to strengthen security and stability in the region, expressing appreciation for the support of “brotherly and friendly countries” and their contributions to regional security and stability.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the Makkah Mutual Defence Agreement on Aug 7 in Makkah.
He said attacks targeting Gulf Cooperation Council countries demonstrate that Gulf security and stability are “indivisible.”
He said Saudi Arabia is working with fellow Gulf Cooperation Council countries to safeguard them.
The crown prince said Saudi Arabia has highly capable human and military resources able to confront and deter threats “regardless of their source.”
He said the kingdom is making every possible effort to de-escalate tensions without compromising its security.
“We will not hesitate to respond firmly to any threat or attack aimed at undermining our security,” he added.
Mohammed bin Salman also said the establishment of a “multinational defensive maritime coalition” was aimed at strengthening maritime security and protecting common interests in international waterways.
He rejected the use of international waterways as a tool for political or economic pressure.
The crown prince also warned that “the world today is facing an energy crisis open to all possibilities.”
He said Saudi Arabia has served as a “safety valve” for global energy security through its ability to provide oil supplies to international markets despite the escalation.
He also condemned Israel’s “brutal attacks” against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and its “repeated violations” of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
“We strongly condemn the continued brutal attacks by the occupying authorities against our brothers and sisters in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip, as well as their repeated violations of Al-Aqsa Mosque,” he said.
He urged the international community and the Peace Council to play their roles in reaching a lasting political solution in Palestine.
“The kingdom’s commitment to the rights of the Palestinian people is a firm position and an ongoing effort that will continue until the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state in accordance with international resolutions,” he said.
On Yemen, the crown prince reaffirmed Saudi support, through the coalition backing the Yemeni government, for restoring government authority in the country and stability, while confronting Houthi attacks.
He also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for Sudan’s unity and stability, the preservation of its state institutions and efforts to spare its people further suffering from war and destruction.
Saudi Arabia has led a coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government against the Houthis since March 2015, after the group took control of the national capital, Sanaa, and several provinces beginning in September 2014.
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