Day: May 27, 2024

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

Brussels, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah emphasized the Kingdom's commitment to the two-state solution both at the Riyadh meeting in late April and at the Ministerial Meeting held here yesterday. He said there are signs of consensus in the international community on the need to secure the rights and safety of the Palestinian people. At a press conference held jointly with Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, Prince Faisal highlighted the critical situation in Gaza Strip, stressing the need for an immediate ceasefire. Prince Faisal pointed out that the international community agrees on the need of an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, stressing that "the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly and in a completely unacceptable way". He said that the ministerial committee established by the joint extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit aims to a ddress the situation in Gaza and advance the Palestinian cause, and stressed that the two-state solution is the foundation for lasting peace and security in the region. Prince Faisal praised Norway, Spain, and Ireland for recognizing the Palestinian state, and said that other European countries are considering taking a similar step. He also highlighted the importance of supporting Palestinian state institutions to demonstrate their capability to carry out responsibilities, including ensuring the security of neighboring states, and stressed the need to abide by international law. Furthermore, Prince Faisal said that if the international community complies with international law, including humanitarian law, this would signal to Israel that it is not immune from accountability and cannot indefinitely undermine the establishment of a Palestinian state. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Kuwait, Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received today at Bayan Palace visiting Saudi Minister of State and Cabinet Member Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported. The minister conveyed to the Amir greetings from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and from His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The Amir returned the greetings and wished further progress to the Kingdom and its people. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Cairo, The Arab Parliament strongly condemned the brutal massacre committed by Israeli occupation forces on Palestinian civilians in Rafah refugee camp, in Gaza, Palestine. In a statement issued today, the parliament expressed concern over the actions of the Israeli occupation forces, emphasizing that they have violated laws, norms, international resolutions, and legitimate principles that demand an immediate end to aggression. The military assault on Rafah city was condemned as a blatant challenge and a flagrant violation of various decisions, including a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice, which called for a halt to the military assault on Rafah city. The Arab Parliament urged the UN Security Council, human rights organizations, and other international bodies to take urgent action to pressure Israel to stop these massacres and halt the aggression in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. Moreover, it emphasized the need to enforce the rulings of the International Court of Justice, pursue l egitimate resolutions, and resume ceasefire negotiations to bring an end to the ongoing bloodshed and stop the war and genocide. Source: Saudi Press Agency