NEW YORK — Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in New York on Monday to co-chair the high-level international conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution at the ministerial level. The event, held at the United Nations headquarters, is jointly led by Saudi Arabia and France. The conference aims to establish a clear timeline for the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state, ending the Israeli occupation based on a just and lasting solution in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant UN resolutions. Over the course of its sessions, the conference will focus on practical steps to urgently support the peace process, lay the foundations for a fair and sustainable resolution to the Palestinian issue, end the ongoing cycle of violence in the region, and contribute to regional stability. It also seeks to restore the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and help realize their aspiration for an independent state. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency ahead of the conference, Prince Faisal reaffirmed the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, stressing that Saudi Arabia's co-presidency of the conference reflects its historic and principled support for the rights of the Palestinian people. "The Kingdom, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and close follow-up by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, is exerting every effort to promote a just peace in the Middle East," Prince Faisal said. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia remains dedicated to ending the suffering of the Palestinian people and advancing global peace and security through constructive diplomacy. The conference builds on recent momentum, including the September 2024 launch of the international coalition for the two-state solution, led jointly by Saudi Arabia, Norway, and the European Union. It also complements the work of the joint Arab-Islamic ministerial committee, which seeks to end the Israeli occupation and secure the right of Palestinians to statehood. French President Emmanuel Macron announced last week that France would officially recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming UN General Assembly session in September. Macron called for halting hostilities in Gaza, delivering humanitarian aid, and crafting a plan to rebuild the territory while ensuring its demilitarization and full recognition of Israel. "There is no alternative," Macron said. "The goal must be to build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and enable it to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East." The Saudi-led initiative and the growing European engagement reflect increasing international resolve to revive the two-state solution.
