Saudi Arabia, France chair UN briefing on Palestinian cause
RIYADH: The permanent representatives of Saudi Arabia and France to the UN, Abdulaziz Al-Wasel and Jerome Bonnafont, co-chaired a briefing for UN member and observer states at the UN headquarters in New York, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The session 'discussed preparations for the upcoming high-level international conference on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian cause and the implementation of the two-state solution, which is scheduled to be held in June under the joint chairmanship of Saudi Arabia and France,' the SPA stated.
In his remarks, Al-Wasel stressed that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is the 'cornerstone for achieving security and stability in the region,' adding that the Kingdom's support for the two-state solution is a 'longstanding and unwavering position.'
Al-Wasel also announced the formation of several working groups to address key issues related to the peaceful settlement of the conflict. He called on member states to contribute their visions and proposals to support preparations for June's conference.
Al-Wasel noted that the conference represents 'a formal and comprehensive track to enhance international efforts aimed at reaching a just and lasting resolution.'
Most UN member states and observer delegations from regional blocs expressed full support for the efforts led by Saudi Arabia and France to organize the conference and reaffirmed their commitment to the two-state solution as the only internationally agreed-upon formula to resolve the conflict, stressing the need for tangible outcomes, including the recognition of a Palestinian state.
They also voiced their rejection of land annexation and the forced displacement of Palestinians and underscored the importance of supporting the Palestinian government and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
'Participating countries praised the Kingdom's leading role in supporting the Palestinian cause, its co-chairmanship of the conference, and its efforts to promote collective action and maintain the political and diplomatic momentum necessary for the conference's success,' the SPA reported.
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