Prince Faisal praised BRICS countries for solidarity with Palestinian cause Reaffirmed Kingdom’s commitment to continued expansion of partnerships with BRICS Saudi Arabia has not officially joined the bloc, but participating as invited nation RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led the Kingdom’s delegation at the BRICS Plus 2024 Summit in Kazan, Russia on Thursday, on behalf of King Salman. Prince Faisal, who conveyed the greetings of the King and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders of other BRICS nations, delivered a speech reflecting Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in global multilateral cooperation. He expressed the Kingdom’s gratitude for the warm welcome extended to the Saudi delegation and acknowledged the growing ties between Saudi Arabia and BRICS countries. Saudi Arabia has not officially joined the bloc, but participates in its activities as an invited nation. “The volume of bilateral trade with the BRICS countries exceeded $196 billion in 2023, representing 37 persent of the Kingdom"s total foreign trade,” Prince Faisal said, underscoring the significant economic relationships driving the Kingdom’s engagement with the bloc. The summit provided an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to emphasize the importance of international cooperation in tackling global challenges, Saudi Press Agency reported. “At a time when we most need to confront global challenges, we are witnessing an escalation of tensions and growing polarization,” said Prince Faisal. He reiterated the Kingdom’s call for stronger international institutions to ensure the equitable representation and needs of all countries are addressed. Turning to developments in the Middle East, Prince Faisal condemned Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, warning that the continued escalation threatened both regional and international security. He called for an immediate ceasefire in the enclave, the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages. The minister also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s peace efforts, including its recent launch of the International Alliance to Implement the Two-State Solution initiative, which aims to secure a lasting solution based on the 1967 borders and the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Prince Faisal praised the BRICS countries for their solidarity with the Palestinian cause, acknowledging their support for a solution that respects Palestinian self-determination, SPA added. In closing his address, Prince Faisal reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to continued expansion of partnerships with BRICS and enhancing cooperation in a range of fields. “The Kingdom will continue to strengthen its partnerships with the BRICS group and expand the horizons of cooperation in all fields, in an effort to achieve development and prosperity at the international level,” he concluded. The summit also saw the participation of other high-ranking Saudi officials, including Abdulrahman Al-Ahmad, the Kingdom’s ambassador to Russia, and senior advisors from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.