Riyadh, October 31, 2024 – In a significant diplomatic step, Saudi Arabia hosted the inaugural session of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, convened in Riyadh on Wednesday. Spearheading the session, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, outlined the alliance’s mission to support lasting peace and stability in the Middle East, with the aim of advancing tangible steps toward the realization of a two-state solution. This coalition, announced by the Kingdom last month in collaboration with its international partners, symbolizes a collective resolve to address the ongoing challenges facing Palestine and the region at large.
In his keynote address, Prince Faisal expressed a warm welcome to Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and extended his acknowledgment to the distinguished delegations present at the conference. His remarks underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global peace and its pivotal role in fostering a collaborative path forward in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Addressing the complex geopolitical landscape, Prince Faisal highlighted the severe impact of escalating violence and breaches of international law within Palestine and Lebanon. “The rising violence and ongoing Israeli violations,” he stated, “necessitate a prompt and unequivocal response from the international community to halt these actions, which not only jeopardize the viability of a two-state solution but also destabilize the entire region.”
Calling for an immediate ceasefire, Prince Faisal underscored the importance of freeing hostages and detainees as a vital humanitarian imperative. He further stressed the urgency of accountability mechanisms to end impunity for those responsible for ongoing violence and rights violations. His Highness praised the work of UNRWA in providing essential aid to Palestinian refugees, reiterating Saudi Arabia's robust support for the organization and its mission during this challenging period for Palestinian territories.
Prince Faisal went on to urge the international community to redouble efforts to preserve the two-state solution framework, emphasizing the need for collaborative action and a clear, strategic timeline to realize the vision of a sovereign Palestinian state. Saudi Arabia, he affirmed, stands alongside regional and international partners, committed to translating these goals into practical actions that prioritize peace, justice, and security.
The inaugural session saw the participation of senior officials, including the Deputy Minister for Political Affairs, Ambassador Dr. Saud Al-Sati, and the Counsellor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Manal Radwan, who lent their expertise to the discussions. The establishment of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution reflects a collective international resolve to address longstanding grievances and lays the groundwork for a sustained and coordinated effort toward an independent Palestinian state.
