Saudi Prince Turki Al-Faisal Urges Diplomacy Over Military Force in Middle East

A senior Saudi royal has called for diplomacy and international cooperation to resolve the Middle East's conflicts, saying negotiations should take precedence over military confrontation.

Prince Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, described the regional situation as a "very dark scene" in remarks made on the sidelines of the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum. He said the conflict requires cooperation on a worldwide basis to overcome its challenges and reach peace.

Prince Turki said Saudi Arabia had worked during the recent conflict to end the war and to persuade the United States to halt its war with Iran and pursue negotiations through diplomacy rather than military means. He added that Iran attacked Saudi Arabia while itself under attack by the United States, leaving the kingdom caught in a situation where lives are being lost to the ambitions of Israel on one side and Iran on the other.

He said settlements in the region should be achieved through negotiations and consultations, a position he noted is shared by China. He pointed to Beijing's role three years ago in hosting the settlement of differences between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Prince Turki also expressed hope for the Chinese People's Liberation Army, which marks its centenary next year, saying he hoped it would continue its peaceful intentions toward the rest of the world and describing China as a staunch supporter of diplomacy over warfare.

The Xiangshan Forum was launched in 2006 as a track-two think-tank exchange and has grown into a major international security platform bringing together government officials, military leaders and scholars. This year's edition drew nearly 2,000 official representatives, scholars and observers from more than 100 countries, regions and international organizations, meeting from Tuesday to Thursday.