MOHAMMED BIN ABDULAZIZ AL-SAUD, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, said Saudi Arabia was the first country to condemn the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks and sought to uproot terrorism in all its forms.  Security forces in the Kingdom had uncovered over 250 plots, including against friendly neighbours and allies.  Yet, there were efforts in the United States to rectify a law that protected another nation’s sovereignty, he said, emphasizing that fighting terrorism required utmost international cooperation.  Towards that end, he urged the international community to support the Islamic Military Coalition which aimed to combat terrorism.  The international community should also end the suffering of the Palestinian people so that their legitimate rights be restored and a State be established, adding that Israel’s construction work threatened the sanctity of the Al-Aqsa mosque.  In Yemen, the Saudi-led coalition there sought to help the Yemeni people, adding that his country was the biggest humanitarian supporter to Yemen.

The unprecedented crisis in Syria must be brought to an end, he continued, pointing out that Saudi Arabia had “opened its doors” to hundreds of thousands of Syrians, providing them with health care, as well as employment and educational opportunities.  He called on Libya to continue to build their State, as well as fight terrorist groups.  Iraq had to also rid its territories of terrorist groups. Earlier in the year, the Saudi embassy in Tehran was ransacked, he said, calling on Iranian authorities to carry out their responsibilities.  Good relations based on good neighbourly relations and non-interference in other countries’ affairs was still possible.

He also called on Governments to adopt policies that would reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions.  In that regard, Saudi Arabia had invested in developing new technology aimed at preserving the environment.  Saudi Arabia had also launched its 2030 Agenda, specifically based on its Islamic and Arabic principles while taking into account its geographical location.  It was also working with the private sector to provide health care and education for all.  His country would continue to seek to reform United Nations agencies in order for those bodies to be able to respond to future challenges in a sufficient manner.