Madrid, September 14, 2024 — Today, in Madrid, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in a significant meeting with representatives from the Ministerial Joint Contact Group of the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The meeting included officials from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, as well as representatives from the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and ministers from Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain.
A joint statement was issued following the meeting, emphasizing the group's unified commitment to achieving a two-state solution as the sole pathway to lasting peace and security. The statement criticized the ongoing violence and unilateral measures that have hindered peace efforts, particularly in light of recent escalations in the Gaza Strip.
The statement called for the immediate, irreversible implementation of the two-state solution based on international law and the Arab Peace Initiative, condemning all forms of violence and terrorism. It reaffirmed the need for empowering the Palestinian government and supporting ongoing mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. The group urged for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the restoration of full control of Palestinian Authority over Gaza and its borders. It also stressed the need for unimpeded humanitarian aid and compliance with international law.
Furthermore, the statement highlighted the importance of halting illegal activities in the West Bank and upholding the status quo of Jerusalem’s holy sites. The international community was urged to recognize Palestine and support its admission to the United Nations. The group reiterated its commitment to advancing peace efforts and called for an international peace conference on the margins of the upcoming UN General Assembly session on September 26, 2024.
