Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, the Foreign Minister, yesterday lauded the position of Germany's foreign policy towards the Middle East and the European country's endeavor to work for the region's stability. In a joint press conference with his German counterpart Frank Walter-Steinmeier, Al-Jubeir reported that the German minister had meetings yesterday with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz; and the Deputy Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, and other meetings yesterday with each of the Minister of Economy and Planning Eng. Adel bin Mohamed Faqih, a number of Saudi businessmen and Saudi youths of MISK foundation. He was also present at the German pavilion at Al-Janadriyah cultural festival as guest of honor of the event. He described the meetings with the German minister as positive during which the situations in the region, particularly in Syria, Iraq, Iran and Yemen as well as the challenges facing the region, were discussed. Al-Jubeir said the distinguished bilateral relations with Germany in all fields were also discussed as Germany shares with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia historical relations, confirming the firmness of the Saudi German ties in all fields. For his part, German Foreign Minister Frank Walter-Steinmeier stressed said that Germany is honored to participate in Janadriyah this year as a guest of honor to provide the traditions and innovations of the German people as gifts to a wide spectrum of the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During the press conference, the German Foreign Minister said "Riyadh and Berlin held a number of political consultations and meetings pertaining to a number of issues of common interest. We reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the regional issues, particularly the Syrian file, he stated. He added that the talks with the Saudi officials dealt with a number of bilateral issues between the two countries, including exchange of students and the Saudi scholarship program to Germany. Then, Adel Al-Jubeir and his German counterpart answered questions from reporters attending the press conference. Regarding the reasons for stopping the Syrian talks in Geneva, Frank-Walter Steinmeier said: "There are various and complicated reasons in the preparatory period for Geneva talks leading to the stalemate. We noticed that there are certain expectations among the opposition delegation. Among them, the opposition was expecting a decrease in the military actions but, on the contrary, the pace of fighting was escalating and the regime assumed the responsibility. During the coming days, we will hold talks with Russia on this issue, particularly the humanitarian situations." For his part, Al-Jubeir said: "Regarding the suspension of negotiations in Geneva, the reason was, from our viewpoint, the lack of seriousness of the regime as reflected by their response towards the UN envoy as well as unresponsiveness of the Syrian regime towards the need to allowing humanitarian aid to Syria and lifting the siege on Syrian cities. As you know, the agreement that was reached has led to the talks in Geneva based on Security Council's resolution No. 2254 which calls for a ceasefire, allowing the humanitarian aid, lifting the siege on civilians and starting the political process for a transitional stage in Syria." "The Syrian regime's delegation which came to Geneva was not serious. The matter is some kind of procrastination and complexity and other things aiming to conduce to poor progress. The Russian military operations have been intensified. Regarding the Russian escalation in Syria, two viewpoints emerged: one is that the Russian military escalation operations aim to strengthen the grip of the regime of its situations before the cease-fire and the other viewpoint is that Russian military escalation operations aim to provoke the Syrian opposition in order to abandon the talks. This is what happened. The UN envoy has come to the conclusion that the regime is not serious regarding the talks. It is best to freeze the negotiations at the moment to discuss with them this issue in the coming days. As my colleague Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that talks last night among the concerned ministers and other representatives of countries are to resume negotiations as soon as possible and to consider how to reach a solution in Syria. Among the ideas raised in the aftermath of negotiations' suspension, is to hold a meeting of Vienna Group in Munich during next week to discuss these issues. We are in constant contact with the UN envoy, the concerned countries and the Syrian opposition," Al-Jubeir added. With regard to the current situation between the Kingdom and Iran, Al-Jubeir said: "The deterioration of Saudi-Iran relations is attributed to the steps taken by Iran and its policies over more than 35 years. These policies were aggressive. To change to the better, Iran has to change its policies, methods and dealings with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as the regional countries and, specifically, cease its interference in the internal affairs, support for terrorism and attempts to wedge sedition in the region." "Regarding the treatment policies towards Iranian pilgrims and Umrah performers, the Kingdom will not change its policy. Every Muslim is welcomed in Makkah and Madina. Every Muslim has the right to come and visit the House of Allah. The Kingdom will facilitate everything possible for the arrival of pilgrims to the House of Allah, including the Iranian pilgrims. The issue of the political crisis between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran has no relation with Hajj or Umrah", he added. Replying a question that some circles were trying to draw a line to link Islam with Daesh, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said: "This is wrong. Daesh's actions are against Islam. Islam does not justify killing of innocent people or carrying out violence and practicing hatred. Islam is a religion of moderation, tolerance, love and mercy. The horrible deeds carried out by these criminals have no relation with Islam at all."
