Saudi Arabia supports dialogue to solve Ukraine conflict; seeks security against nuclear threat

Saudi Arabia maintaining a good relationship with Russia is beneficial to all and keeps the doors of dialogue open, the Kingdom’s Minister of Foreign Affairs said during a panel at the Munich Security Conference on February 18.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan added that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is unified in supporting dialogue to resolve the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia “continues a dialogue with Kyiv and Moscow” to find a solution, “but issues between them are complex,” the diplomat said, noting that there is a willingness on both sides to negotiate.

As for relations with Washington, Prince Faisal reiterated that Saudi Arabia disagrees with the US on some issues on the basis of national interest, but maintained that the Kingdom is working jointly on security and stability in the region.

Regarding the Iran nuclear deal, he was quoted by Al Arabiya as saying: “We want the Gulf states to have a say regarding the nuclear agreement.”

“We want to return to the nuclear agreement, but with a comprehensive view and with Gulf participation,” adding that the acquisition of a nuclear weapon by an “enemy country prompts everyone to search for their options,” he continued, according to Al Arabiya.

Prince Faisal also added that Saudi Arabia supports the Middle East free of nuclear weapons.