Riyadh, September 23 (QNA) - HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Bandar bin Mohammed Al Attiyah congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the esteemed government of the Kingdom, and its people, on the occasion of the Kingdom’s 96th National Day.

In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency emphasized that this cherished occasion renews in us feelings of pride in the depth and strength of the fraternal relations between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, noting that these historic and distinctive relations are founded on bonds of brotherhood, kinship, and a shared destiny.

In this regard, HE the Ambassador pointed out that this distinctiveness is reflected in the gracious care and continued commitment of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, as well as HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to continue working to elevate relations between the two countries to broader levels. He added that this would open up further avenues for joint cooperation while strengthening coordination and integration between the two countries.

His Excellency expressed his deep appreciation for the wise and responsible approach adopted by the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in dealing with the rapidly unfolding developments in our region, as well as the delicate challenges and highly complex circumstances facing the region. He said that this approach reflects its balanced vision, foresight, and commitment to prioritizing reason, dialogue, and diplomacy in a manner that safeguards the security and stability of the countries of the region and protects the interests of their peoples.

In this context, His Excellency said that the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continue their close coordination and ongoing cooperation, based on their shared belief in the importance of unifying efforts and positions on regional issues. They reject any party’s aggression against the territory, sovereignty, or security of either country, or against the territory, sovereignty, or security of the other Gulf states and countries of the region. They remain committed to freedom of maritime navigation and continue to emphasize the need to respect the sovereignty and independence of states, while supporting dialogue in a manner that contributes to consolidating security and stability and safeguarding Gulf and Arab interests.

His Excellency explained that the mutual solidarity between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom is reflected in their response to the blatant attacks that have targeted both countries, as well as in the Kingdom’s standing by the State of Qatar during the attacks that targeted its territory and its continued support for Qatar’s efforts and endeavors to de-escalate tensions between Iran and the United States. It is also reflected in the State of Qatar’s standing by the Kingdom, condemning the grave attacks launched against it from Iranian, Iraqi, and Yemeni territory, and expressing solidarity with the Kingdom in confronting anything that threatens its security and sovereignty or the integrity of its territory.

His Excellency stressed that, under the guidance of their wise leaderships, the two countries will continue to stand by one another and by their fellow countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab world. They will also remain active partners in defending the causes and interests of the Arab and Islamic nations, strengthening the ability of the countries of the region to deter attacks and threats in a spirit of responsibility, wisdom, and solidarity, and promoting an approach based on peace, cooperation, and good-neighborly relations.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concluded by wishing the Kingdom continued progress and achievements underpinned by Vision 2030, and that it would advance toward broader horizons of comprehensive development, improved quality of life, and an enhanced presence and distinguished standing at both the regional and international levels.

He prayed to Almighty God to protect the Kingdom, its leadership, and its people, and to bring this cherished occasion around again with the Kingdom enjoying greater security, stability, progress, and prosperity. (QNA)