Saudi Ambassador: Riyadh Exercising Restraint Amid Middle East Tensions

Jakarta (ANTARA) — Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Amudi, has stated that the Saudi Government continues to take diplomatic steps and exercise restraint to ease tensions in the Middle East.

“Diplomatic efforts are being undertaken and will continue to be undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said the Saudi ambassador at an iftar gathering with Indonesian press representatives in Jakarta on Friday evening.

In efforts to ease tensions, Saudi Arabia seeks to exercise restraint in avoiding retaliatory strikes against Iran. “We uphold the principle of restraint. We endeavour to resolve this peacefully and calmly,” said the ambassador.

Ambassador Faisal also stressed that from the outset of the conflict, the Saudi Government has made clear to Iran that it will not permit its territory to be used as a base for launching attacks against Iran.

“We are aware that the initial attacks were carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran. At this point or on this occasion, the Saudi Government condemns the actions taken by Israel,” he stated.

However, Iran has continued to launch retaliatory attacks on Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, which have suffered attacks on various public facilities and other important political installations. According to the ambassador, such attacks contradict the principle of good neighbourliness, violate international law, and are contrary to the international principles upheld by the international community.

Meanwhile, Faisal added that amid global oil price instability resulting from Middle East tensions, Saudi Arabia will undertake price stabilisation measures. “In principle, we will certainly endeavour to stabilise those prices, because we recognise that conflict inevitably has an impact on the economy and on energy,” he said.

Regarding the hajj, Faisal stated that preparations are proceeding smoothly according to plan. “God willing, preparations are on track, according to plan and God willing there will be no adverse effects whatsoever,” he said.

He stressed that Saudi Arabia is safe and peaceful. Aircraft travelling to Saudi Arabia will also carry hajj pilgrims according to the established schedule.

Accordingly, Saudi Arabia has urged the Indonesian public not to worry, as hajj preparations remain on course according to plan.