King: Saudi Arabia supports political solutions in Yemen, Syria

Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz said yesterday that his country supports political solutions to the conflicts in Yemen and Syria.

In an address to the kingdom’s Shura Council, King Salman refrained from talking about the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi who was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last month. However, he said that new directives have been given to Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to “focus on developing human capabilities and prepare the new generation for future jobs”.

“The kingdom will continue its efforts to address the region’s crises,” the king said, adding that the Palestinian cause will remain a “top priority” until the Palestinians have all their legitimate rights.

“Our stand with Yemen was not an option but a duty to support the Yemeni people in confronting the aggression of Iranian-backed militias,” he said.

The king has also called for a “political solution” to the Syrian conflict.

King Salman called on the international community to put an end to the Iranian nuclear programme and stop its activities that threats the region’s security and stability.

READ: Yemen’s Houthis halt missile attacks on Saudi coalition