Saudi Arabia expresses solidarity with Qatar after its embassy in Kyiv was damaged by shelling

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed the Kingdom's deep regret over the material damage sustained by the Qatari Embassy building as a result of the shelling of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. This statement reaffirms the Kingdom's steadfast position regarding the ongoing developments in the region and its unwavering commitment to the safety of diplomatic missions in conflict zones.

Details of the Saudi position and official statement

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its official statement, affirmed that the Kingdom is following developments with concern, emphasizing the necessity of keeping diplomatic missions neutral in military conflicts. The statement reiterated the Kingdom's unequivocal commitment to providing full protection for members of diplomatic missions and their premises, in accordance with international laws and norms governing relations between states, most notably the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The importance of the Vienna Convention and the protection of diplomats

The Saudi position is based on established principles of international law, specifically the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations , which clearly stipulates the inviolability of diplomatic premises. This convention obligates the host state, as well as the parties to a conflict, to take all appropriate measures to protect diplomatic premises from any intrusion or damage. The damage to the Qatari embassy in Kyiv serves as a reminder of the dangers facing diplomatic work in war zones, necessitating intensified efforts by the international community to ensure the safety of diplomatic corridors and premises in order to guarantee the continuity of communication and dialogue.

The political context and the Kingdom's efforts in the Ukrainian crisis

This statement cannot be separated from the overall context of Saudi foreign policy toward the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. Since the outbreak of the crisis, the Kingdom has adopted a balanced stance advocating for dialogue and diplomatic solutions. In its latest statement, the Ministry reiterated its support for all international and regional efforts aimed at resolving the crisis peacefully, in a manner that preserves international peace and security.

The Kingdom has previously played a pivotal role in successful mediation efforts to exchange prisoners between the warring parties, in addition to providing humanitarian aid packages to alleviate the war's impact on civilians. This solidarity with the sisterly State of Qatar in this incident reflects the depth of Gulf relations and unity in confronting external challenges, and underscores Riyadh's role as a voice for stability and de-escalation in international forums.

The impact of continued shelling on the capital, Kyiv

This incident comes at a time when the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and other cities are witnessing an escalation in military operations and mutual shelling, endangering infrastructure and vital areas. The damage to diplomatic buildings is a dangerous indicator of the widening scope of the conflict, increasing the international responsibility to press for a de-escalation and the protection of civilians, civilian objects, and diplomatic facilities alike.