Diplomatic Efforts Intensify For Two-State Solution And Recognition Of Palestinian State

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, and Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, co-chaired a significant meeting on 26 May 2024 in Brussels. The gathering included the Ministerial Committee from the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Developments in the Gaza Strip, European Foreign Ministers, and representatives. The meeting was coordinated with EU High Representative/Vice President Joseph Borrell.

The primary agenda was to discuss the urgent need to end the war in Gaza and explore concrete steps to implement the two-state solution. The meeting underscored the necessity of an immediate ceasefire, cessation of attacks on Rafah, and the release of hostages. Emphasis was placed on respecting international law and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The participants highlighted the importance of transitioning the conflict to a political track for a swift resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Strong support was voiced for taking irreversible steps towards implementing the two-state solution, in line with international law and United Nations Security Council Resolutions. Discussions included measures towards establishing a Palestinian State within this framework.

Empowering Palestinian Authority

Attention was given to empowering and enabling reforms within the Palestinian Authority (PA). The question of mutual recognition was addressed, promoting moderation and peace over violence and extremism. The recent recognition of Palestine as a State by Norway, Ireland, and Spain was welcomed by many attendees.

Unified Palestinian Government

The meeting stressed the need for amplified efforts towards state-building and strengthening political and financial support for the new Palestinian Government under Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. The significance of having a unified Palestinian Government for the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza was also emphasized.

Attendees

The meeting saw participation from Foreign Ministers 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 (OIC), Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye (Turkey), United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United Kingdom (UK).

The goal remains to achieve a just and lasting peace that upholds Palestinian rights while ensuring regional security. This will facilitate normal relations among nations in the region.

With inputs from SPA