Ottawa, December 10, 2023, In a significant diplomatic gathering facilitated by the Riyadh-hosted Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, members of the Ministerial Committee, under the leadership of Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, engaged in official talks on Saturday in Ottawa with the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.
The meeting saw the active participation of key figures, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, Riad Al-Malki, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan. The primary focus of the discussions centered on the rapidly unfolding events and precarious developments in the Gaza Strip, with a specific emphasis on the military escalation targeting unarmed civilians.
During the deliberations, committee members underscored the urgent necessity for an immediate ceasefire to address the escalating threats and restore much-needed security and stability in the region. They issued a compelling call to the international community, urging swift action and emphasizing the collective responsibility to safeguard civilians from what was described as the destructive impact of the Israeli occupation.
Crucially, the committee stressed that any discussions regarding the future of Gaza and the broader Palestinian cause should be predicated on an immediate ceasefire and the de-escalation of the ongoing military aggression. This principled stance reflects the committee's commitment to addressing the immediate humanitarian crisis before delving into the broader geopolitical considerations.
Furthermore, committee members highlighted the imperative for decisive and immediate measures to facilitate the establishment of humanitarian corridors, ensuring the unimpeded delivery of relief assistance into Gaza. Expressing firm opposition, they rejected any attempts to restrict the flow of aid into the strip, underscoring the urgent need to alleviate the suffering of the affected population.
In addition to the humanitarian aspect, the committee stressed the pivotal importance of fostering a genuine political environment. Their goal is to pave the way for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the borders of June 4, 1967, aligning with relevant international resolutions. Notably, the committee rejected any attempts to isolate discussions about the Gaza Strip from the broader Palestinian cause, emphasizing the interconnected nature of these critical issues.
In conclusion, the diplomatic summit in Ottawa echoed urgent calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, reflecting a commitment to addressing immediate challenges while emphasizing the broader political context of the Palestinian cause. The outcomes of this high-level meeting signify a unified international stance in the pursuit of stability, security, and justice in the region.
