Saudi Arabia

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Your Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies, Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you:

I would like to begin by congratulating His Excellency Mr. Dennis Francis on his election as President of the seventy-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly, wishing him success in carrying out his duties.

We thank His Excellency Mr. Csaba Kőrösi for his outstanding efforts during his presidency of the previous session.

On this occasion, I commend the efforts of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to enhance the efficiency of the work of United Nations institutions in a manner that achieves their goals and the purposes of their Charter.

Mr. President,

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirms the necessity for States to abide by the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international legitimacy, and looks forward to a better future for humanity based on mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence, and values of States, non-interference in their internal affairs, the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, and refraining from the use or threat of force.

The Kingdom's Vision 2030 aims to strengthen efforts in building and development in a manner that meets the aspirations of our future generations, contributes to the empowerment of women and youth, develops capacities for creativity and innovation, and entrenches the values of openness, dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence. The Kingdom attaches great importance to the human rights file, as its systems include explicit provisions aimed at promoting and protecting these rights.

Through its developmental approach, the Kingdom aims to create a comprehensive and sustainable renaissance centered on and dedicated to the human being, who will drive the wheel of present development and shape the development of the future through knowledge. In this regard, the Kingdom has issued numerous legislations and amendments to systems and executive regulations, and has provided enablers that enhance the dignity of citizens and residents alike, working to achieve maximum benefits for them, preserve their lives, safeguard a dignified way of living, and provide them with protection and social welfare.

Mr. President,

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirms that security in the Middle East region requires expediting efforts to find a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, based on the resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative, guaranteeing the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Kingdom renews its rejection and condemnation of all unilateral measures that constitute a flagrant violation of international law and contribute to undermining regional and international peace efforts and obstructing paths toward political solutions.

Mr. President,

The Kingdom is keen to support all efforts aimed at consolidating security and stability, focusing on comprehensive development, opening the way for dialogue, calming tensions and de-escalation, and urging the countries of the region to avoid escalation and to focus on the exchange of interests and benefits in a manner that fulfills the hopes and aspirations of the peoples of the region.

The Kingdom has worked to consolidate the principle of collective action in order to build a better future for the region and the world, by hosting a number of joint regional summits within the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the League of Arab States, with the participation of all States, including the Syrian Arab Republic, out of its belief that resolving the crisis in Syria will contribute to the stability of the region and the world.

In its pursuit of stability in the region, the Kingdom held rounds of talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran, hosted by Baghdad and Muscat, which culminated in the Beijing Agreement that launched the resumption of diplomatic representation and direct communication between the two countries, based on mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence, and security of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and respect for the Charters of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Mr. President,

The Kingdom affirms its keenness on the security and stability of the fraternal Republic of Yemen, and its support for all efforts aimed at resolving the crisis in Yemen and relieving the humanitarian suffering of the fraternal Yemeni people, and pushing toward political solutions to restore security and stability to Yemen and avert threats to the Kingdom and the region. It also renews its affirmation of its initiative to end the war in Yemen and reach a comprehensive political solution, and supports UN and international efforts to reach a political solution in accordance with the three references, including Security Council Resolution 2216.

With regard to Lebanon, the Kingdom continues to stand by the fraternal Lebanese people, and calls on all Lebanese parties to implement comprehensive structural political and economic reforms that lead to overcoming the current crisis. The Kingdom also affirms the importance of the state extending its authority over all Lebanese territory, while abiding by the provisions of the relevant Security Council resolutions and the Taif Agreement, in a manner that contributes to maintaining security and countering drug smuggling operations and terrorist activities that threaten the security of the region and the world.

Regarding Iraq, the Kingdom considers the security and stability of Iraq to be a fundamental pillar for the security and stability of the region, and affirms its support for Iraq's security, development, territorial unity, Arab identity, and social fabric.

Regarding Sudan, the Kingdom expresses its deep concern over the escalation and military clashes between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces. In support of efforts to de-escalate the situation in Sudan and prevent the crisis from worsening, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia took the initiative to host the parties to the conflict in Jeddah, where the Kingdom, together with the United States of America, is exerting efforts to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of aid to those affected. Since the beginning of this crisis, the Kingdom has undertaken humanitarian efforts and carried out maritime evacuation operations for thousands of people stranded in Sudan, including citizens, nationals of fraternal and friendly countries, and staff of the United Nations and international organizations. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God preserve him – directed the launch of a public fundraising campaign for the fraternal Sudanese people, and also directed – may God support him – the allocation of relief and humanitarian assistance worth $100 million for this crisis through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, in addition to organizing air and sea bridges to deliver food, medical, and shelter materials and other necessities. In continuation of these efforts, the Kingdom, together with international partners, chaired the high-level donors' conference for Sudan last June, in which donors pledged to respond to the humanitarian crisis, mobilizing international humanitarian support for this crisis and pledging more than one and a half billion dollars. The Kingdom looks forward to these efforts being crowned with success and to Sudan reaching safety and emerging from this crisis.

The Kingdom affirms the importance of achieving security and stability in Libya, ensuring its sovereignty, independence, and territorial unity, and ending foreign interference in its internal affairs. It supports a complete ceasefire in Libya and the Libyan call for the complete and immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces, fighters, and mercenaries from Libyan territory without delay, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2570 issued in 2021.

The Kingdom also affirms the importance of security and stability in Afghanistan, so that it does not become a safe haven for terrorist organizations, and stresses respect for the fundamental rights of the Afghan people, including women's right to education and work. It calls for intensifying regional and international efforts to provide humanitarian and economic assistance to alleviate the suffering of the fraternal Afghan people.

Regarding the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, the Kingdom renews its call to end the crisis and limit its negative effects and repercussions on the security and stability of the world. The Kingdom affirms the necessity of making every possible effort to end the crisis, resolve differences peacefully, respect the principles of international law, and strive to preserve the security and interests of all.

In continuation of humanitarian efforts, and building on the ongoing efforts of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God preserve him – in adopting initiatives regarding the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, and thanks to His Highness's continuous endeavors with the countries concerned and in support of international efforts aimed at achieving peace, His Highness has exerted his good offices to secure the release of a number of prisoners of various nationalities. Ukraine was also invited to attend the 32nd Arab Summit held in Jeddah, and the Kingdom hosted, in early August, a meeting of national security advisors and representatives from more than 40 countries and international organizations. The Kingdom affirms its readiness to continue exerting mediation efforts between the two parties to the crisis.

Mr. President,

We affirm the importance of efforts to achieve the goals of eliminating nuclear weapons, which begin with recognizing the necessity for the entire international community to implement its obligations toward existing treaties and legal frameworks, with the aim of reaching a world free of nuclear weapons, particularly in the Middle East region. The Kingdom also renews its affirmation of the importance of maintaining and preserving international peace and security, and exerts its good offices to resolve international and regional conflicts in accordance with international principles and norms. In this regard, my country affirms that establishing security and stability in any region can only be achieved through cooperation and consultation among states and by striving to achieve development and progress, while avoiding the race to possess this weapon that is destructive to humanity.

Out of its constant keenness to achieve the goals and objectives of the United Nations in maintaining international security and peace, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia renews its call for reforming the Security Council so that it can fulfill its role in a manner that is more just in representing our reality today, more effective in keeping pace with the transformations and developments of the international community, and more efficient in addressing its common challenges.

Mr. President,

Our international community has achieved successive successes in confronting terrorism and extremism, and we must continue working diligently to confront and eliminate this scourge, which has no connection to any race, religion, or sound belief. We affirm the importance of the international community standing firm against the support and sponsorship of terrorism and extremism, and the necessity of showing no tolerance toward, and rejecting and denouncing, all forms of assault on sacred symbols and the promotion of ideas of hatred and Islamophobia under any pretext whatsoever, including the repeated incidents of burning copies of the Holy Quran. We warn of the danger of these acts, which undermine mutual respect and harmony among peoples and contradict international efforts to spread the values of tolerance and moderation, reject extremism, adopt moderation, and consolidate a culture of global peace. My country commends the resolution issued by the extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to discuss the recurring incidents of desecrating and burning copies of the Holy Quran. We also commend the Human Rights Council's adoption of the resolution entitled "Countering religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence," and call for the necessity of strengthening dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among cultures and civilizations for the sake of peace and harmony in the world, with the necessity of adhering to relevant international human rights instruments and laws.

Mr. President,

The stability of global energy markets is an important pillar for the global economy and its growth. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been keen to preserve the stability, reliability, sustainability, and security of global oil markets, and to meet the needs of consumers, in order to ensure a sound global economy that benefits both producers and consumers. The Kingdom always affirms the importance of collective cooperation with the OPEC+ group in stabilizing global oil markets and enhancing their reliability, sustainability, and security. The OPEC+ policy of closely monitoring markets and adopting a precautionary approach has contributed to the stability and balance of oil markets, as was clearly evident in the stability witnessed in oil markets in 2022, compared to other energy markets such as natural gas and coal markets.

Mr. President,

In recognition of the importance of addressing the challenges of climate change, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to contributing to reducing emissions and adapting to their effects, and supports the requirements for a gradual and responsible transition toward clean, low-emission energy systems that use all sources to become more sustainable. Achieving these goals requires continued international cooperation and concerted efforts to reach the desired objectives, taking into account varying national and regional circumstances, and giving due consideration to the comprehensive economic and social goals of sustainable development.

In recognition of the importance of this challenge and in consolidation of its global leadership role in the field of sustainability, the Kingdom has launched the "Saudi Green" and "Middle East Green" initiatives, in order to lead global efforts to protect the environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote public health and quality of life, raise renewable energy rates, and advance emission reduction and removal technologies, and achieve sustainable development. The Kingdom has announced doubling its emissions reduction contributions compared to 2015, by 278 million tons annually by 2030, and aims to achieve net zero, as announced, by applying the circular carbon economy approach.

Mr. President,

In line with the Kingdom's ambitious future vision, my country has submitted a bid to host Expo 2030 under the theme "The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow." The Kingdom will work to realize the Expo's concept of envisioning the future of the planet and the advanced technology that future entails, with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals. The Expo represents an opportunity to strengthen work on projects with global impact and cooperation to find global solutions through innovation, sustainability, and inclusiveness. All of this lies at the heart of Expo 2030 in Riyadh, which will demonstrate to the world the Kingdom's strong and continuing commitment to developing countries.

The Kingdom takes this opportunity to express its thanks and appreciation to the countries that have announced their support for this candidacy, and calls on all countries to support the Kingdom's hosting of Expo 2030.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, we look forward to our efforts contributing to conveying our message, values, and principles to the world, in an atmosphere of partnership and respect, to build a better future for all humanity.

Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.