Arab-Islamic Summit Committee Engages in Extensive Talks with Madrid Group and European Nations

Joint Ministerial Committee Meeting on Gaza Developments

Today, a meeting of the Ministerial Committee established during the extraordinary Arab Islamic summit concerning the developments in Gaza took place in Madrid. The session was presided over by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia. Notable attendees included Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar; Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Palestine; Ayman Safadi, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan; Dr. Badr Abdelatty, the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriates; Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary-General of the Arab League; Hussein Ibrahim Taha, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation; and Dr. Noha Yilmaz, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey.

Focus of Discussions

The primary agenda of the meeting revolved around the recent developments in Gaza and the West Bank, alongside international efforts aimed at halting the ongoing conflict and alleviating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The committee also discussed preparations for an upcoming high-level international conference set to address the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution. This significant event is scheduled to occur at the United Nations headquarters in New York in June, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.

Commitment to Cooperation

The members of the Ministerial Committee expressed the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the success of the forthcoming high-level international conference. They underscored the necessity of making clear commitments and taking tangible steps to offer political, economic, and security support in favor of the Palestinian cause.

A strong emphasis was placed on the implementation of the two-state solution, grounded in relevant international resolutions that affirm the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state based on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Participants acknowledged and appreciated the contributions of the Madrid Group and European nations in supporting these objectives toward achieving a just and lasting peace.

Urgent Humanitarian Concerns

Additionally, members articulated their hope for the success of mediation efforts involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages. They highlighted the urgency of lifting the blockade on Gaza, advocating for the immediate and unconditional opening of all border crossings to enable the flow of humanitarian, relief, and medical assistance necessary to meet the needs of the population in the Strip.

The committee members voiced their strong condemnation of the repeated violations committed by Israeli authorities against civilians in Gaza. They stressed the importance of addressing all Israeli incursions into international law and humanitarian law.

Support for Reconstruction and Reform

The committee reaffirmed its backing for efforts focused on the immediate recovery and reconstruction of Gaza, in accordance with the Arab reconstruction plan endorsed at the extraordinary summit held in Cairo. They expressed their support for the international conference that Egypt plans to host in collaboration with the Palestinian government and the United Nations regarding Gaza’s reconstruction.

Moreover, the committee acknowledged the reforms initiated by the Palestinian government, reiterating their steadfast support for initiatives that advance the interests and aspirations of the Palestinian people while ensuring their security, stability, and prosperity.

Notable Attendees

Present at the meeting were Her Highness Princess Haifa bint Abdulaziz Al-Muqrin, the Saudi Ambassador to Spain; Prince Musab bin Muhammad Al-Farhan, an advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for political affairs; and Dr. Manal Radwan, an advisor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In conclusion, the Ministerial Committee’s meeting highlighted a collective commitment from multiple nations and organizations to work collaboratively towards securing peace and stability in the region, addressing humanitarian needs, and fostering an environment conducive to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.