Vice Minister Waleed ElKhereiji Highlights Saudi Commitment At Palestine Donor Group Meeting

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed ElKhereiji attended the Palestine Donor Group meeting in Brussels, co-chaired by the European Union and the State of Palestine. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting Palestinian aspirations for an independent state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. This meeting followed a ceasefire in Gaza and the UN Security Council's adoption of a US-proposed peace plan.

ElKhereiji stressed the importance of a stable environment for early recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. He emphasized that violence must cease completely, and Palestinians must be fully protected. The Kingdom strongly condemned settler attacks in the West Bank, warning against extremism and terrorism that threaten peace efforts.

The vice minister discussed Saudi Arabia's role in launching the Emergency Alliance to Support the Financial Stability of the Palestinian Authority. This initiative, in collaboration with Spain, Norway, France, and other international partners, aims to help meet the needs of Palestinians and maintain vital institutions.

ElKhereiji called for an immediate release of Palestinian tax revenues and an end to coercive measures by Israel against Palestinians. He emphasized strengthening the resilience of the Palestinian private sector as crucial for integrating institutions under Palestinian Authority leadership.

The Kingdom fully supports Egypt's comprehensive plan for Gaza's reconstruction, coordinated with Palestine and endorsed by various international bodies. ElKhereiji noted that this plan requires a stable environment and cessation of violence for successful implementation.

He also highlighted the need for Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza to facilitate reconstruction efforts. An international stabilization force is necessary to ensure security during this process.

Role of International Community

ElKhereiji reaffirmed support for the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), emphasizing its central role in coordinating international efforts. He cautioned against creating parallel tracks that could weaken these efforts.

The vice minister praised EU efforts in training Palestinian police, noting their importance in any effective security strategy. He also acknowledged Egypt and Jordan's roles in enhancing Palestinian security forces' capabilities.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Manal Radwan from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

With inputs from SPA