Saudi officials have been conspicuously engaged in new efforts for peace in recent weeks, with Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan visiting both Kyiv and Moscow to offer the Kingdom’s help to mediate an end to the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban visited China to bring about the return of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Six years of disputes and turbulence in the Middle East were thereby put behind us, allowing for new approaches to peace, not only in the region but worldwide.

Saudi Arabia has long stood for peace, putting its trusted international standing to use by offering mediation between parties to end disputes. The long civil war in Lebanon only came to an end thanks to tireless Saudi mediation. The region’s most ambitious peace plan was initiated by Saudi Arabia through the Arab League in 2002, offering Israel peace and fully normalized relations with all Arab countries in exchange for a viable Palestinian state. We are a country that seeks to mend fences, for us and for others. Saudi Arabia may also be the only country in the world that can, at a week’s notice, gather all Arab and Muslim leaders in Makkah to promote world peace.

It is no coincidence that all three monotheistic religions have their origins in our region, with a succession of prophets spreading the message of peace across our lands and indeed the world. Our region has also sadly suffered many devastating wars. From the ashes of war, though, there rises the dove of peace with its olive branch. She focuses a galaxy of light on humanity, flying wherever she may with no fear of being shot out of the sky, for behind it endless more doves of peace will rise. We are one of these doves of peace, fulfilling our mission to mend fences with those we have been in disagreement with, while also showing others the way. Whether we are addressing Iranians or Israelis, we light a candle in the darkness that continues to shine even when we are all asleep. These galaxies of light illuminate the world, just as our prophets once did.

The Kingdom has long stood for peace, putting its trusted international standing to use by offering mediation between parties to end disputes.

Hassan bin Youssef Yassin

The dove of peace should feel safe wherever she flies, carrying her message and her olive branch. The flames of anger and destruction may rage and our Mother Nature may lie depleted and exhausted, but the candle of peace overcomes any ruins to show us the way through the darkness, allowing us to see. Peace needs every helper it can find. In a Middle East at peace with itself today, we are ready to come and help in a united effort to end disputes. The UN itself also needs the oxygen of that example today. With our eyes open and the strong message of our prophets, Saudi Arabia takes pride in working on the side of peace. We want to help others and, most of all, we want to preserve the environment that sustains us all.

The reaction worldwide to Saudi Arabia’s latest initiatives has been very positive, for the world is hungry for initiatives of peace. The promise of once again feeling the blanket of hope, seeing a galaxy of light shine for peace in every language, is what drives us, especially today for Ukraine and Russia. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has taken to heart Pablo Picasso’s words that “action is the foundational key to all success.” Big applause has met this new leadership and the flying doves of peace, as we recognize that the promotion of peace has become a part of our Saudi DNA.

Let the doves of peace fly, let the light of peace shine, and may Saudi Arabia continue to carry its mission for peace to help illuminate the world. 

• Hassan bin Youssef Yassin worked closely with Saudi petroleum ministers Abdullah Tariki and Ahmed Zaki Yamani from 1959 to 1967. He headed the Saudi Information Office in Washington from 1972 to 1981 and served with the Arab League observer delegation to the UN from 1981 to 1983.