Foreign Minister at the Munich Conference: Discussing Gaza and the Two-State Solution
In a high-level diplomatic engagement reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in promoting international peace and security, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in a key panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference. The session, titled “Building on Momentum: From Promises to Progress,” focused on the current challenges facing the Middle East and ways to translate international commitments into concrete action.
International attendance to discuss thorny issues
The session witnessed a notable presence of influential international figures in the political and diplomatic arena. In addition to His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs, participants included the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway, Espen Barth Eide. Also in attendance were the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Sigrid Kaag, and the Vice-Chair of the Munich Security Conference, Helga Schmid, which enriched the discussion with diverse perspectives and a comprehensive approach encompassing political, humanitarian, and security aspects.
Gaza and the two-state solution: a top priority
Developments in the Gaza Strip topped the agenda, with discussions focusing on the grave humanitarian and security repercussions of the ongoing war. In this context, the discussions reaffirmed the unwavering position that military operations must cease immediately and civilians must be protected. The talks extended beyond managing the current crisis to encompass a strategic vision for a solution, namely, advancing the two-state solution. This approach aligns with the Kingdom's diplomatic efforts to garner international recognition of the State of Palestine as a cornerstone for achieving lasting stability in the region, rather than relying on temporary solutions that fail to address the root causes of the conflict.
The importance of the Munich Conference and the regional context
This discussion is particularly significant given that it is taking place under the auspices of the Munich Security Conference, the world's foremost platform for discussing international security policies since its inception six decades ago. Raising Middle Eastern issues at this forum reflects a global recognition that the region's security is an integral part of international peace and security. The Kingdom's participation underscores its leading role in shaping the regional security landscape and its tireless efforts to de-escalate tensions in various hotspots.
Stability in Syria and Sustainable Development
The session also addressed the Syrian issue, discussing ways to enhance security and economic stability in the Syrian Arab Republic. This comes within the framework of a broader Arab vision that supports Syria's return to its Arab fold and contributes to its recovery, which will positively impact the security of the entire region. The discussions concluded with the necessity of coordinating international efforts to create the appropriate conditions for sustainable political solutions that guarantee stability and drive human and economic development, transforming diplomatic promises into tangible realities for the peoples of the region.
