Did Saudi FM say the era of relying on US is over?

Multiple users have been sharing a video on social media platforms X, Facebook and Instagram, showing Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan allegedly announcing the end of reliance on the US. 

Claim:

Social media users shared a video of Prince Farhan speaking with the following caption: “Saudi sovereignty: ​"The era of dependency is over. Riyadh is not a pawn in anyone’s gamble. We move according to a national compass that prioritises our stability, economy, and sovereign rights above any international pressure.”

"How Donald Trump can protect other nations when he is unable to fully secure his own country?"

Fact Check:

A reverse image search was conducted to trace the source of the viral claim, which yielded a similar video from the same press conference posted on YouTube by Al-Saudiya, a Saudi news television channel, of the foreign minister on December 9, 2022, with the title: “His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs: The Saudi economy is in a phase of great expansion and we need many partnerships.”

Conclusion:

The claim that a viral video shows the Saudi foreign minister announcing the end of reliance on the US amid the current tensions in the Middle East is false.