London: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud has affirmed the need for caution and preparedness to counter the rising tensions and instability in the region. "We must remain vigilant against rising tensions and instability that threaten to ignite or escalate conflicts within the Kingdom," he stressed in a speech at the opening of the 15th Gulf Research Meeting in London.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Saudi Minister emphasized the importance of supporting efforts towards de-escalation and sustainable peace. He reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to fostering political dialogue, respecting international law, and safeguarding the rules that underpin global order amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.
The Minister highlighted Saudi Arabia's dedication to pursuing inclusive and long-term political solutions to conflicts. He noted that in a world marked by uncertainty and volatility, upholding the rules-based international order is crucial for preventing conflicts and promoting international cooperation. The emphasis was placed on reinforcing commitments to international law, promoting mutual understanding, and prioritizing peaceful dispute resolution.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Al-Budaiwi, remarked that the Gulf Research Meeting serves as a vital platform for enhancing the GCC States' collective understanding of regional challenges and aspirations. He stated that the GCC is a cornerstone of the region's resilience, security, and sustainable development.
Al-Budaiwi highlighted the GCC's role as a critical pillar of stability, not only within the region but also globally. Through enhanced economic integration, shared security initiatives, and strategic diplomacy, the GCC countries have collectively reinforced both regional and international order in recent decades. He pointed out that the council has strengthened trade and investment links and spearheaded joint security frameworks like the Peninsula Shield Force.
This year's Gulf Research Meeting includes 12 workshops covering a wide range of topics in politics, economics, energy, security, and the wider social sciences. The Gulf Research Center-Cambridge established the annual Gulf Research Meeting in 2010 to foster Gulf studies and encourage scholarly and academic exchange. The Gulf Research Center was founded in July 2000 by Dr. Abdulaziz Sager with the aim of conducting high-quality research on strategic Gulf region aspects, including the GCC countries as well as Iran, Iraq, and Yemen.