Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the deep-rooted historic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Federal Republic of Germany in all fields which are characterized by identity of positions on matters of mutual concern. In a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the headquarters of the foreign ministry in Riyadh yesterday, Al-Jubeir said the German minister has held talks with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, his Crown Prince and Deputy Crown Prince dealing with bilateral relations and the distinguished economical relations between the two countries and discussed the situation in Syria with focus on finding a political solution to the crisis without any future role for Bashar Al-Assad. He said the Saudi and German sides also discussed during the meetings the humanitarian aspect of the Syrian crisis, the situation in Yemen and the Iran-related international agreement of 5+1 group. For his part, the German foreign minister said the meetings with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, his Crown Prince and Deputy Crown Prince witnessed the two sides' agreement to enhance cultural and educational cooperation between the two countries. As for the political developments in the region, Frank-Walter Steinmeier noted that the resumption of talks in Yemen is a positive development, saying that he discussed with officials in the Kingdom the developments in Yemen and Syria, underscoring the importance of pushing Iran to play a positive role in the region and that the responsibility of the 3+3 countries will not end by signing an arrangement regarding Iran's nuclear file. He called underlined the importance of ending fighting in Syria, removal of tension in the region and adopting political solutions, noting the importance of finding a solution to the Russian interference in Syria and underscoring the importance of cooperation between Washington and Moscow in the service of the region and achieving security in Syria. Then, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and his German counterpart replied to reporters' questions. On what should be done to resolve the Syrian crisis, Al-Jubeir stressed that Iran should withdraw from Syria, not supply the Assad regime with weapons and return to Iran the Shiite militias it sent, noting that it is difficult to have any role for Iran in Syria because it occupies an Arab land and contributes to the killing and displacement of innocent people. For his part, the German Foreign Minister explained that Syria is now in trouble and the international community must find a solution, stressing that in the long run there is no future for Syria with Bashar al-Assad. On political transition in Syria, Al-Jubeir said, 'We have accepted the principles of the Geneva 1 and the establishment of a governmental body that takes care of the state's institutions, as well as the writing of a new constitution and new law for elections. The body shall have government authority to begin reconstruction and return of displaced persons. The body may participate in the formation of the government. After the formation of the government, Assad should step down, stressing that there is no role for Assad in Syria's future. There is no future for the Assad's stay to participate in the elections. He is responsible for the deaths of more than 300 thousand people and the displacement of millions of Syrians. With respect to the nuclear agreement with Iran, the Foreign Minister of Germany stressed that commitments must be implemented and monitored, noting that this is not an easy path, but it is an available option in the Middle East to improve the situation in the region and stop the negative circle in the region. Asked about the talks between the legitimate government in Yemen and the Houthis, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed the discussions, and said that the military option was the last choice for the kingdom and the coalition forces as the Houthis and their allies seized Saada, Amran, Sanaa, Taiz and Aden. The kingdom and the coalition responded to item No. 51 of the Charter of the United Nations to support the legitimacy in Yemen and defend the legitimate government there and to protect the kingdom and its borders, and to open the door for a political process in Yemen to reach a political solution, wishing that the talks accepted by the Houthis and deposed Salih according to Security Council resolution No. 2216 will be fruitful to resolve the Yemeni conflict based on the GCC initiative. On the role of Iran in the region, he said, 'We hope that Iran will change its ways away from its interference in the affairs of countries in the region, whether in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen or other areas. We had good relations with Iran in the sixties and seventies and relations of neighborhood with it, and it is difficult to have positive relations if there is aggression towards the kingdom and its people. We are keen to respond to any Iranian movements and we will use all our economic, political and military force to protect our territory and our people. He added, 'We hope that Iran will abandon its past style and adopt a new approach, particularly in light of the signing of its agreements with countries of the 5 +1 in the area of its nuclear program. We are now watching the application by Iran of the terms of the agreement and how Iran will deal with the money it is receiving and how it will deal with its neighbors and then evaluate how there will be a development in the relations between the two countries. The kingdom always seeks to build relations with all countries.
