An Arab-European meeting in the Saudi capital to discuss recognition of Palestine

A joint Arab-European meeting was held today, Monday, in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, to support the recognition of the State of Palestine and the adoption of the two-state solution. The official Saudi Al-Ikhbariya channel reported that the meeting, in which Ministers from twenty countries participated, came after a six-party Arab meeting attended by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, also in Riyadh, on the sidelines of his current visit. The Channel said: The Arab-European coordination meeting was launched in the presence of 20 countries, with the aim of supporting efforts for a two-state solution, recognition of the State of Palestine, and a ceasefire in Gaza. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan said in his speech at the meeting: 'We renew our commitment to finding a final solution to this conflict and recognizing the State of Palestine, and we want to support efforts for a two-state solution,' warning that 'the possible Israeli invasion of Rafah will lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.' For his part, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said at the meeting: 'We are aware of the brutality of what is happening in Gaza, and it is very important to discuss the immediate ceasefire process and work to deliver aid as well as the two-state solution.' Earlier today, Monday, a six-party Arab meeting, chaired by Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh, discussed the importance of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and taking an 'irreversible step' regarding the two-state solution, in the presence of the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and Qatar, and a representative of Palestine, with Blinken's participation. Last Tuesday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry announced a new Arab movement to support recognition of Palestine in the United Nations General Assembly, during a press conference with Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense Mihwa Martin. For his part, the Irish Foreign Minister said, 'There are many countries with similar rationality in the European Union, and they are working to recognize the State of Palestine and stop the violence in the Gaza Strip.' Source: National Iraqi News Agency