In a significant diplomatic engagement, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud held a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, on Saturday, focusing on the recent developments in the Gaza Strip and its surroundings.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the call included discussions on regional and international issues of mutual interest, with a special emphasis on the situation in Gaza.
This high-level dialogue comes days before U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s anticipated Middle East tour, which aims to reinforce efforts towards establishing an independent Palestinian state amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas that began last October.
According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, Blinken’s itinerary from February 4th to 8th includes visits to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and the Palestinian territories in the West Bank.
The Secretary of State’s diplomatic endeavors will focus on securing the release of all hostages, achieving a humanitarian ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza’s civilians, and preventing the conflict’s escalation.
Blinken is also set to affirm the United States’ readiness to take necessary actions to protect its citizens and ensure the Red Sea’s navigational freedom.
His discussions with partners will continue to explore the establishment of a peaceful, integrated region that guarantees lasting security for both Palestinians and Israelis.
In his previous tour in January, Blinken visited several countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Greece, Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, Israel, the West Bank, Bahrain, and Egypt, underscoring the U.S.’s active engagement in Middle Eastern affairs.
