Vice Minister Waleed ElKhereiji 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 amid escalating tensions and violence.

The Vice Minister pointed out that the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon has brought the region to a pivotal moment. He stated that the international community faces a choice: support international law and promote a two-state solution or risk further conflict and suffering. This situation threatens to undermine global peace efforts.

ElKhereiji described the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and Lebanon as dire. He condemned the targeting of civilians, forced displacement, and destruction as violations of international humanitarian law. These actions continue without accountability, exacerbating the crisis.

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

Verbal condemnations alone are insufficient to stop violence, according to ElKhereiji. 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 meeting aims to advance peace efforts in the region.

The Vice Minister emphasized that implementing a two-state solution is a shared international duty. It is seen as the only viable path to lasting peace, recognizing Palestinians' right to self-determination and statehood. This is crucial for regional stability.

ElKhereiji reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to working with partners to make the two-state solution a reality. The Kingdom aims to transform this aspiration into tangible progress towards peace.

With inputs from SPA