The Saudi Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, held a telephonic conversation with his French counterpart, Sebastien Lecornu, to discuss joint coordination efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that Prince Khalid bin Salman received a phone call from Sebastien Lecornu, the Minister of the Armed Forces of France, on Saturday.
The two leaders discussed bilateral relations between their respective countries, existing defense cooperation, and shared coordination on issues and developments in the region. They also talked about the latest developments in Gaza, international efforts concerning it, and endeavors to calm the situation.
The Saudi Defense Minister emphasized during the call the importance of halting military operations, protecting civilians, adhering to international humanitarian law, and working towards solutions to restore stability and resume the path of peace.
This, he noted, would ensure the Palestinian people attain their legitimate rights, as reported by SPA.
The call between the Saudi and French defense ministers comes shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
Earlier on Saturday, SPA mentioned that the Saudi Crown Prince stressed to President Macron the need to exert all possible efforts to de-escalate tensions, ensure violence doesn’t expand, and avoid serious repercussions on regional and global security and stability.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman also highlighted the Kingdom’s rejection of targeting civilians in any manner and underscored the significance of adhering to international humanitarian law, halting military operations against civilians, and protecting infrastructures essential to their daily lives.
Additionally, the Crown Prince emphasized the importance of fostering conditions for restoring stability and achieving lasting peace, leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state.