As you can hear in the preceding remarks at the 80th session of the United Narions, Saudi Arabia has for years called for a Palestinian state to become formed as part of the normalization in Saudi-Israeli relations. The Israeli and Palestinian governments both also wanted a Palestinian state to form perhaps because a “two-state solution” to peace would preserve both governments in their present form. There is an also every possibility of peaceful unification instead, which would surely receive equivalent global support.

The Palestinian political parties Hamas and Fatah have provided alternating Palestinian governments at peace with each other . The objectives of both administrations are important considerations for everyone involved.

Saudi Arabia is historically a security and economic competitor of Iran. But that past probably isn’t the future. Although Saudi Arabia is staunchly U.S. aligned, the Saudi and Iranian governments have worked tirelessly for peace. The Saudi Arabian and Iranian governments particularly made progress on peace with each other after Russia hosted their leadership in Moscow and successfully encouraged the countries to put aside their differences and become friends. This followed several years of peaceful rhetorical outreach from Iran to Saudi Arabia, and more recently from Saudi Arabia to Iran. The United States and Europe eagerly have supported peace and improving relations at various times between these countries.

The Saudi Arabia & Iranian populations are obviously comfortable with each other, and therefore support peace between their governments. They peacefully pray together every year at the Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia that can attract tens of thousands of Muslims. The populations enjoy the holiday even though slightly varying views on Islam exist in the two countries. Islam is a religion named for peace. So religious citizens and tourists clearly want peace between these and all other countries. There is therefore every reason for the populations and governments of Saudi Arabia and Iran to get along even better with one another. That appears to be what's taking place. Countries in the region that align themselves with Saudi Arabia and Iran indicate in exemplary rhetoric that they love peace and support improving relations for all countries in the region.

Although the Saudi Arabian and Iranian governments had competing economic interests during previous years, they don’t come close to the much more profound benefits of peace. The Saudi and Iranian governments understand that their improving relations won’t solve every security challenge in the region. People in other countries have to do their part for peace. But the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Iran can increasingly join together to encourage tranquility and calm. Hopefully they will one day even use their considerable understanding of the region and influence to protect one another. Millions of refugees currently returning to the Middle East could eventually become tens of millions of people. Perhaps that context is an appropriate context for an open Saudi-Iran trading relationship to develop - that could ensure peace between the governments. The development would probably be eagerly supported by the Israeli government if an Iranian Abraham’s accord can be agreed upon.

Saudi Arabia has for years reportedly been improving relations with Syria. The Saudi and Syrian governments recognized each other’s legitimacy and normalized relations even during the previous Syrian administration. The leadership even started getting together in person at summits.