Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — A coordination meeting of the Arab and European countries was held in Riyadh on Monday to support efforts to implement the two-state solution and recognition of the State of Palestine. The meeting, convened by Saudi Arabia and Norway, was co-chaired by Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Speaking on the occasion, Prince Faisal welcomed the ministers of the participating countries, saying that the meeting aimed at exchanging views and consultations with regard to taking practical steps to support stopping the war in Gaza through activating the political track and implement the two-state solution, including recognition of the Palestinian state, which is long overdue.

“The recent discoveries of mass graves in Nasser Medical City are horrific and unbelievable, and that they reflect disregard for the most basic humanitarian standards and complete impunity,” he said. Prince Faisal warned of the possible invasion of Rafah, saying: “it will inevitably lead to a humanitarian catastrophe, dire consequences for the Palestinians and neighboring countries, and serious repercussions for all parties.”

The foreign minister renewed his commitment to the comprehensive approach to finding a final solution to the conflict in the region. “We see that recognition of the Palestinian state is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and it is an urgent step that puts us on a reliable and irreversible path in implementing the two-state solution.”

Prince Faisal praised the European countries that expressed their intention to recognize the State of Palestine, and that this is an important step on the right path towards the establishment of the Palestinian State and commitment to a path that leads to security and stability among all countries of the region.

Several foreign ministers and representatives of countries participated in the meeting. These countries include Algeria, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, in addition to the European Union and the Arab League