Saudi crown prince vows firm response to threats as Gulf tensions rise
The Makkah Defence Pact with Turkiye and Pakistan was highlighted as part of regional security efforts.
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia will continue to support diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions but will respond firmly to any threat to its security, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said on Wednesday.
Addressing the Shoura Council on behalf of King Salman, the crown prince said recent attacks on Gulf states showed that the security and stability of the region were closely linked.
He said Saudi Arabia was working with other Gulf countries to strengthen joint security, strategic cooperation and economic ties. He also pointed to the Makkah Defence Pact with Turkiye and Pakistan as part of efforts to improve regional stability.
The crown prince also announced Saudi efforts to strengthen maritime security and protect international waterways from being used for political or economic pressure. He said the Kingdom would continue supplying oil to global markets despite the regional tensions.
On Gaza, he called for international action towards a lasting political solution and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's support for an independent Palestinian state. He also said Riyadh would continue supporting Yemen's government and the stability of Sudan.
The address also highlighted Saudi Arabia's economic reforms under Vision 2030, with the crown prince saying 93 per cent of its programme targets had been achieved over the past decade.
