Brussels, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, co-chaired a meeting between the Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Developments in the Gaza Strip, and European Foreign Ministers and representatives, on 26 May 2024 in Brussels, in coordination with the EU High Representative/Vice President Joseph Borrell. They met as a follow up of the Riyadh-meeting in April, to discuss the urgent need to end the war in Gaza and what concrete and practical steps countries can take to implement the two-state solution, including the question of recognition and full integration in the region, in view of the Arab Peace Initiative.
The meeting stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire including an end to the attacks on Rafah, release of hostages and ending the war in Gaza. The importance of respecting and complying with international law was emphasized. They further rai
sed their concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. And highlighted the urgency of ending and addressing this Gaza-crisis, as well as all unlawful actions in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem. Moreover, the significance of transitioning the conflict to a political track, to reach a final and a speedy political resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, was emphasized.
The meeting voiced their strong support for taking irreversible steps to implement the two-state solution, in line with international law and agreed upon parameters, including United Nations Security Council Resolutions. Concrete measures towards a Palestinian State, within the framework of the two-state solution, were discussed. In this regard, particular attention was given to empowering and enabling PA and Palestinians reforms.
The question of mutual recognition was addressed, that will promote moderation and peace in the region, at the expense of violence and extremism. The circumstances needed for such recognition was add
ressed, and the recent recognition of Palestine as a State by Norway, Ireland and Spain was welcomed by many, in this regard.
The meeting agreed that the goal is to realize a just, comprehensive and lasting peace that upholds the rights of the Palestinian people and the security of Israel and the region. This will pave the way for normal relations among nations in the region.
The meeting also accentuated the need for amplified efforts towards state-building, and the urgent need to strengthen and support, both politically and financially, the new Palestinian Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. The significance of having a unified Palestinian Government for the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza was also emphasized.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister and representatives of Algeria, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, League of Arab States,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trkiye, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
Source: Saudi Press Agency