Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir asserted that there is a match in visions between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France, in all subjects of mutual concern, citing the identity of visions on the importance of electing a new president for Lebanon, the appropriate solution to the Syrian crisis, the application of reforms in Iraq and a number of regional and international issues. During a joint press conference held at Ritz-Carlton Hotel here yesterday with his French counterpart Laurent Fabius, Al-Jubeir said that there is also a match in visions about Iran's interference in the region, the importance of addressing them, the attitudes to support legitimacy in Yemen and the Middle East peace process and push it forward in order to access to the solution to what leads to the two states, under the Arab peace initiative. Such convergence rarely exists between two countries in the world, and this is a reality in relations between the Saudi Arabia and France, he added. On the economic investment between the two countries Al-Jubeir confirmed that there is a big and bulky business relationships which the two sides are seeking to strengthen and further expand, pointing to a forum being held here today, which aims to create opportunities for investors from the two countries as a tool to promote and intensify the strong trade relations. For his part, the French foreign minister lauded the statement made by Al-Jubeir on the nature of relations between the two friendly countries. In this regard, he said that 'we are on convergence of ideas with our Saudi friends as regards the regional issues', attributing the rapprochement of the two countries' approach and the serious political and economic cooperation to the real and effective partnership. Fabius confirmed that the Saudi French joint committee, co-chaired by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, and himself, meets every six months and is so far doing a good job, drawing the attention that the two parties are planning to announce, in a detailed statement, the results of the committee's work since its inception, hoping that the current meetings would yield good results in the best service of the two countries from the economic point of view, particularly that the French are pushing more and more to strengthen economic relations with the Kingdom. In response to reporters' questions, Al-Jubeir explained that the war in Yemen was launched in response to a request from the legitimate government and in accordance with the UN Charter to roll back the rebels and foil their plans for the assassination of the legitimate president, noting that the goal of these operations is to protect the legitimate government of Yemen and dispose of the threat of ballistic missiles targeting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He pointed out that the Arab coalition forces have succeeded in the war on the Houthis and the deposed Ali Saleh, expressing hope that the political process will begin in accordance with Security Council resolution 2216. Al-Jubeir confirmed that the humanitarian situation in Yemen is difficult, so the kingdom launched several initiatives to tackle the difficult humanitarian situation in Yemen, working with King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid to provide urgent relief and humanitarian assistance, in addition to facilitating the access of humanitarian organizations to Yemen and distributing aid and assistance to the needy, including aid and medical services. Al-Jubeir noted that the Kingdom is the largest donor of humanitarian aid to Yemen, stressing its intention to continue coordination and cooperation with its partners for moving Yemen to be better. 'I think that the end of war lies in the hands of the ousted Yemeni president and the Houthis,' Al-Jubeir said, stressing that the political process is the best option, saying that the war was the option of the ousted Yemeni president and the Houthis. For his part, the French Foreign Minister stressed his country's commitment to supporting the kingdom's prominent humanitarian efforts in Yemen in accordance with international law, hoping to reach a political solution to end these humanitarian situation, stressing the need for all Yemeni parties to agree to discuss proposals in this regard, noting to France's support for all efforts to achieve this agreement. Mr. Fabius said that the military operations carried out by the French aircraft in Syria are self-defense operations, in accordance with Article 51 of UN Charter, which gives France the right to carry out them based on the principle of self-defense. He explained that some elements of the ISIS organization 'Daash' are threatening France and other European countries, so this was a reason that pushed them to send their aircraft there. 'We would carry out air strikes whenever the need arises, 'he said. He explained that the French military operations against ISIS recently became bigger, pointing out that they are discussing the political side of this issue with the kingdom due to their belief in the need for a political solution, through a transitional phase which include the transfer of authorities. 'We are all working for this outcome with our different partners because it is an urgent need, if when we want to restore stability to Syria, and make it a place for all religions and sects to live and work together, 'he said He stressed that the achievement of peace and security in Syria is the main goal. Al-Jubeir expressed optimism about the future of the Middle East in general, in light of these tensions that affect every part of it, through finding solutions to all problems facing the region. He added that the challenges facing the region are major and many, reviewing some of the challenges currently facing the Middle East, such as the Lebanese and the Syrian crisis, the same in Iraq, Yemen, and Libya, as well as the negative actions by Iran, represented by its interference in the affairs of countries in the region, considering the subject of arms and migrants within the challenges as well. He stressed that finding solutions to all these challenges requires dealing with the situation wisely, rational, logical, and taking into account self-reliance in the first place, and then benefiting from friends from around the world, calling for optimism by pointing to the region's positive points such as agreement on one faith, high percentage of young people, family togetherness, virtuous ethics, values and principles, natural resources, energy sources, geographic location and giant businessmen and companies. The Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed firmness of the kingdom's position towards the situation in Syria and President Bashar al-Assad, noting that Bashar al-Assad is the main reason for the problem in Syria, for the murder of hundreds of thousands of people, and displacement of millions and the destruction of the entire country, stressing that there is no future for Bashar al-Assad in this country. On the opinion of the kingdom on the Russian attitude towards the situation in Syria, he said, 'We are trying to convince Russia of the need to find a way out or a political solution to the crisis, provided that it does not include the presence of Bashar al-Assad,' noting that the kingdom is doing what it can to convince the world of supporting people in Syria, and facing the killing machine, led by President Bashar al-Assad's regime, stressing the kingdom's principle of standing with the Syrian people and not giving up on them, adding that one day, the Syrian land will be one that is stable and secure without Bashar al-Assad and without a change in the Saudi positions. Al-Jubeir confirmed that there are consultations between the kingdom and the United States toward the same issue and other friendly countries, to discuss what can be done to find immediate and effective solutions to the Syrian crisis, stressing that the kingdom finds that solutions do not exceed two options, either a political solution or a military one, and in the two options, there is no place for Bashar al-Assad, indicating that the political solution is based on the establishment of a transitional council that manages the business of the country, maintains its civil and military institutions, puts a new constitution, and works to prepare the country for elections, and all of this requires that Bashar al-Assad is not included. Al-Jubeir indicated that the opposition in Syria is now locked in battles against the Assad regime, believing that the end of these battles is unknown and unclear. Al-Jubeir discredited the media talk by ousted Saleh, who denies the existence of Iranians in Yemen, because every time, he repeats statements that have nothing to do with reality, stressing that everyone knows that the Iranians are present in Yemen, provide support for the Houthis, supply them with weapons, and provide them with military experts.
