Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issued a statement concerning discussions between the kingdom and the United States on the Arab-Israeli peace process, stating that the country will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognized.
The ministry affirmed the country's "steadfast" position regarding the Palestinian issue and the legitimate rights of Palestinians while also stressing that an independent Palestinian state on 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital must be recognized in order for the establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel.
Saudi Arabia also demanded the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and reiterated its call to the members of the United Nations Security Council to "expedite" their recognition of the Palestinian state.
