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Manama: Prince Saud Al Faisal, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister on Saturday called on Iran to comply with its nuclear obligations to spare the Middle East region from "devastating conflicts, futile arms races and serious environmental hazards".
"We take the undertakings of Iran very seriously to strictly respect its obligation to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction," he said in written remarks circulated at the 192-member UN General Assembly. Bahraini Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa echoed Prince Saud's apprehension towards Gulf instability.
In an interview with the Saudi Al Watan newspaper, he rejected talk of threats and war in the region, saying that stability and security were the guarantors of a peaceful existence.
No winners
"Wars do not solve problems or end conflicts. In fact, when there is a war, there is no winner or loser, and all sides end up as losers. There is an urgent need to shun escalation or tension for the interest of all," Shaikh Khalifa said.
Prince Saud also expressed support for the UAE in its territorial dispute with Iran over UAE's three islands near the Straits of Hormuz, through which an estimated 40 per cent of the world's crude oil passes.
"We reaffirm our support for the right of the UAE to recover its occupied islands by peaceful means and hope that Iran will respond favourably," he added.
The Bahraini prime minister said his country has always called for constructive dialogue through diplomatic channels to solve international issues. "We have reached a point in the region where all countries need to be keen on security, stability and peace and need to focus on improving the standards of their people," he said.
Countries in the region should engage in dialogue to achieve common goals.
"To us, Iran is a neighbour and a friend and there is mutual respect. Our relations are moving forward based on a desire to broaden co-operation for the sake of our people," the prime minister said.
- With inputs from agencies
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