NEW YORK: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Monday the implementation of a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine crisis was “the key to regional stability.”
He was speaking at the opening of a high-level international conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution, which opened at the UN on Monday.
“The Kingdom believes that the two-state solution is the key to regional stability,” he said. “The New York conference is a pivotal milestone toward implementing the two-state solution,” he added.
Prince Faisal reiterated that peace in the region must begin with securing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron’s intention to formally recognize a state of Palestine in September.
“Achieving security, stability, and prosperity for all the peoples of the region begins with justice for the Palestinian people and enabling them to obtain their legitimate rights, foremost among them the establishment of their independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” he said.
He described the Arab Peace Initiative as the framework for any just and comprehensive solution.
He also called for an immediate end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and confirmed that Ƶ and France had facilitated the transfer of $300 million from the World Bank to Palestine.
Prince Faisal said the Kingdom was engaging with several countries to secure recognition of a Palestinian state.
He further rejected the idea of linking such recognition to an Israeli veto and affirmed that no relations would be established with Israel before a Palestinian state was created.
The minister voiced support for the Palestinian Authority’s reform efforts and noted that US President Donald Trump could play a key role in regional conflict resolution.
Prince Faisal added that several memoranda of understanding would be signed on Tuesday with Palestinian sectors to empower them.
He concluded by highlighting the importance of sustaining diplomatic momentum and international coordination to achieve a viable, peaceful two-state solution.
Conference co-chair, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, echoed those sentiments, telling reporters that more countries could follow suit in recognizing Palestine in the coming months.
“France affirms the Palestinian people’s right to sovereignty over their lands,” he said.
He added: “Other countries may recognize the State of Palestine in September. The two-state solution conference is a decisive step toward implementing the solution; historic commitments will be made. The targeting of civilians in Gaza is unacceptable; the war in the Strip has lasted too long and must stop.”
He went on to highlight the international community’s role in translating the two-state framework into action.
“We must work to make the two-state solution a tangible reality,” he said. “(It) meets the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians. We have launched an unstoppable momentum toward a political solution in the Middle East.”
Also speaking during the first session on Monday, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa welcomed the conference, calling it a crucial opportunity for peace.
“The two-state solution is a historic opportunity for everyone,” he said. “We are grateful to Ƶ and France for leading this historic conference.”
He added that the conference sent a clear message of international support to the Palestinian people.
“The two-state solution conference confirms to the Palestinian people that the world stands with them.”
Mustafa also called for political unity between the West Bank and Gaza, urging Hamas to disarm in favour of Palestinian Authority control.
“We must work to unify the West Bank and Gaza Strip. We call on Hamas to surrender its weapons to the Palestinian Authority,” he said.
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