MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia's foreign minister on Wednesday called on Islamic nations to reject Iran's "interference" in the affairs of other countries.
"Tehran's support for Houthi rebels in Yemen is proof of Iranian interference in other nations' affairs and this is something that ... Islamic countries should reject," Ibrahim Al-Assaf told a gathering of foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
He also said the Kingdom condemned terrorist attacks aimed at threatening the supply of oil and urged a political solution in Syria backed by the UN. The meeting was a preparatory gathering ahead of the full OIC meeting on Friday.Earlier, King Salman welcomed leaders and representatives from the GCC, Arab countries and the OIC member states taking part in upcoming summits in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Three summits are taking place in the holy city this week and the king asked Allah to make them a success for the good of Arab and Muslim nations.
King Salman thanked Allah for his grace toward Muslims around the world as they enjoyed the last 10 days of Ramadan. He hoped Allah would accept the prayers and good deeds of the millions of Muslims who had come to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah or visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Ibrahim Al-Assaf said the Kingdom condemns terrorist attacks aimed at the threat of oil supplies. (Reuters)
The Cabinet wished those taking part in the summits every success, welcoming the start of an international conference organized by the Muslim World League under the king’s auspices.
It also praised the Kingdom’s progress in rising up the ranks of a global competitiveness index. Saudi Arabia rose 13 places in the Annual Book of the World Competitiveness IMD 2019 to place 26th.
The Cabinet condemned terrorist bombings that targeted a marketplace in Mosul, Iraq, and attacks on mosques, in Kabul, and Quetta, Pakistan. The Cabinet offered its condolences to the families, governments and people of Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan. It wished them a speedy recovery and reiterated the Kingdom’s solidarity with these countries in fighting all forms terrorism and extremism.
Minister of Media Turki bin Abdullah Al-Shabanah said the Cabinet had dealt with a number of reports on the latest regional and global developments. He highlighted the Kingdom calling on the international community to take a firm stance against the Iran-backed Houthi militia.
He said the Houthis had targeted densely populated areas inside the Kingdom with ballistic missiles and drones, in contravention of international and humanitarian laws and UN Security Council resolutions.
*With SPA and AFP
