Opinion

Why Germany apologized and Canada backed down

September 30, 2018
Why Germany apologized and Canada backed down

Jameel Altheyabi

During the past two years, Saudi diplomacy has been able to strike an external balance in its relations with major world countries. It has strengthened its contacts with its allies worldwide in line with a clear political policy that does not accept any attempt to violate its sovereignty. Riyadh has bolstered its status as a pivotal and influential country at both the regional and international level in line with a clear international diplomatic policy.

This is confirmed by the keenness of a major world power, like Germany, to respond to the Kingdom’s stand by requesting an end to the crisis with Riyadh. Germany has apologized to Riyadh and has announced its wish for the Saudi ambassador to return to Berlin, to end the “dispute” between the two countries and to turn a new page in bilateral relations. It described the Kingdom as an important partner.

The official German statement coincided with Canadian attempts to restore relations with Riyadh to their previous state, thus confirming the correctness of Saudi stances and the soundness of its firm diplomacy that rejects false accusations and political theatrics that contravene international diplomatic charters and norms.

The Saudi role in achieving peace and stability at all levels is clear for all to see. The Kingdom recently witnessed in Jeddah the signing of the historic Ethiopian-Eritrean Peace Agreement ending a 20-year-long conflict between the two African nations.

This confirms the importance and strength of the role being carried out by Riyadh and the responsibilities it is shouldering. It also underlines its pioneering role in achieving peace between different factions, hence making it a house of reconciliation and peace making, not only in the Arab and Muslim world, but globally.

In their speeches at the United Nations, many world leaders lauded the positive Saudi role in protecting global security and peace. US President Donald Trump confirmed the Kingdom’s positive diplomatic efforts. He said that the Kingdom was one of the countries that was instrumental in making important changes in international policy. In his speech before the UN General Assembly, President Trump said that he valued the Kingdom’s efforts at the regional and global level and the large amount of aid that it provides to various countries. He added that this contributes to ending ongoing wars and restoring stability and security in the region.

Within a short span of time, Saudi Arabia, which celebrated its 88th National Day last week, has been able to launch mega-national projects, such as Vision 2030. The Kingdom has dealt severe blows to terrorist groups and has defeated them. It has also succeeded in reining in the regime of mullahs and its agents in the region, as well as exposing the political immaturity of the State of Qatar, which has become a pariah island.

There is no doubt that Riyadh has the capability to forge alliances that have a clear impact on important regional and global issues. This has earned Riyadh praise and appreciation for the role it plays in international diplomacy.

All of this shows once again that the Kingdom is an influential country that takes a firm position with regard to anyone who infringes upon Saudi and Arab sovereignty and security. However, Saudi Arabia remains a reliable and trustworthy friend and an important strategic ally for countries both large and small. It is feared when it expresses anger. It is the Kingdom of decisiveness and determination that is regarded with awe.

The author is the editor-in-chief of Okaz. Follow him on Twitter: @JameelAlTheyabi


September 30, 2018
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