Security of Middle East requires solution to Palestinian issue - Saudi Foreign Minister

CAIRO - Security in the Middle East requires a fair and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian problem, reported Sputnik, quoting Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Saturday.

"Security in the Middle East requires an acceleration in the search for a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian problem based on international law and the Arab peace initiative, guaranteeing the right of the Palestinian people to create an independent state within the 1967 borders," the Saudi minister said at the UN General Assembly, adding that his country rejects any actions that impede the resolution of the Palestinian issue.

Bin Farhan Al Saud also noted the need for de-escalation in Sudan, called for a solution to the Syrian crisis and declared the country's interest in security and stability in Yemen. In addition, the minister said that Riyadh is striving to stabilise energy prices.

On Wednesday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud said that the country is "getting closer every day" to normalising relations with Israel. On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is on the verge of a historic peace agreement with Saudi Arabia, which will change the face of the Middle East.

Relations between Palestine and Israel have been adversarial since the latter's founding in 1948. Palestinians seek diplomatic recognition of their independent state on the territories of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which is partially occupied by Israel, and the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government refuses to recognise Palestine as an independent political and diplomatic entity and continues to build settlements in the occupied areas despite objections from the United Nations. - BERNAMA-SPUTNIK