Vice Minister Of Foreign Affairs Advocates For Regional Security At Union For The Mediterranean Forum

His Excellency Engineer Waleed ElKhereiji, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah at the 9th Union for the Mediterranean Regional Forum in Barcelona, Spain. During his address, he highlighted the urgent need for the Union to bolster regional security efforts. The region faces a critical juncture requiring decisive actions to stop ongoing violence and destruction.

The Vice Minister underscored that Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon have placed the region at a pivotal point. He urged the international community to either support international law and reinforce the two-state solution or face escalating conflict and suffering. This situation threatens to undermine global peace efforts.

His Excellency pointed out the dire humanitarian crisis in Palestine and Lebanon, describing it as intolerable. He condemned the systematic targeting of civilians, forced displacement, and deliberate destruction as clear violations of international humanitarian law. These actions continue without accountability or punishment.

The Kingdom strongly condemns Israeli attacks on civilians, UN personnel, and organizations like UNRWA and UNIFIL. His Excellency also rejected illegal settlement expansions in the West Bank and changes affecting Jerusalem's legal status. He called for an end to these measures to prevent further violence.

The Vice Minister emphasized that verbal condemnations are insufficient to deter violence. He urged bold actions and expressed anticipation for hosting a high-level meeting of the Global Coalition for the Two-State Solution in Riyadh on October 30. This initiative aims to transform aspirations into reality.

He stressed that implementing the two-state solution is a collective international responsibility. It remains the only viable path to lasting peace, recognizing Palestinians' right to self-determination and establishing their independent state. This is crucial for regional stability.

His Excellency reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to collaborating with partners to make the two-state solution a tangible reality soon. The Kingdom remains dedicated to turning this vision into action for enduring peace in the region.

With inputs from SPA