Saudi Arabia reaffirms commitment to protecting Umrah pilgrims

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Faisal Abdullah Al-Amoudi, said his country would take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of its citizens, visitors and Umrah pilgrims.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will, of course, take appropriate measures to protect Saudi citizens, visitors and Umrah pilgrims,” Faisal said at a press conference at the Saudi Embassy in Jakarta on Friday evening.

He stressed that these efforts went hand in hand with the Kingdom’s commitment to prioritising peace.

According to Faisal, the situation in Saudi Arabia is currently conducive, stable and secure despite a series of Houthi attacks on the Kingdom.

He said that under international law, Saudi Arabia has the right to defend its sovereignty and territory, and to protect its citizens and the expatriates living in the country.

Faisal added that since the Houthi terrorist militia’s 2014 coup against Yemen’s legitimate government, Saudi Arabia had pursued efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting political solution with all parties in Yemen and the UN Special Envoy for Yemen.

“However, the Houthi militia continues to reject peace efforts and obstruct the achievement of a comprehensive political solution in Yemen. The Houthis prefer continued military escalation,” he said.

Faisal said Saudi Arabia, through the International Coalition, supports legitimacy in Yemen and coordinates with the country’s legitimate government to strengthen its ability to uphold security and stability.