UAE Participates in Riyadh Meeting on Two-State Solution Implementation

UAE Participates in Global Alliance Meeting on Two-State Solution in Riyadh

The Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution sponsored a major high-level summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 2, in which the United Arab Emirates (UAE) participated. 94 nations and international organizations sent representatives to this summit, which took place from October 30 to October 31.

Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, gave keynote addresses to kick off the event.

Leading the UAE delegation was Lana Nusseibeh, the Assistant Minister for Political Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During her address, Nusseibeh expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in fostering international cooperation to realize the two-state solution. She emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s historical leadership is crucial in the current context.

Nusseibeh reiterated the UAE’s unwavering dedication to a vision in which Israel and Palestine live in harmony with one another and their neighbors. She emphasized the need for communication and collaboration and denounced any attempts to change the status quo in a way that would impede this goal.

Nusseibeh demanded the unrestricted protection of civilians and aid workers in view of the recent surge in violence and the terrible death toll since the conflict began. She urged for quick, unhindered access for humanitarian aid, highlighting the UAE’s proactive commitment in helping the people of Gaza.

She also raised alarms about the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly in the northern regions where approximately 400,000 individuals are currently isolated from essential aid. Nusseibeh referenced alarming reports indicating that more than 1.8 million people across Gaza are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity. In this context, he reiterated the UAE’s condemnation of legislative measures targeting UNRWA’s core activities.

During his discussions in Riyadh, Nusaybe warned of rising tensions and growing military conflicts in the region. He called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages and prisoners, underscoring the urgency of restoring peace.

In addition, he expressed the UAE’s deep concern over the ongoing developments in Lebanon, highlighting the implications of the escalating conflict for regional stability.
Nusseibeh reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to Lebanon’s unity, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and emphasized the UAE’s support for the Lebanese populace during these challenging times.

At the conference, the UAE also drew attention to the perilous impact of rising incitement and hate speech from both sides involved in the conflict. Nusseibeh stressed the devastating effects this has on the situation in the West Bank, where violence against Palestinians has been occurring with little to no accountability.

To address these concerns, the UAE referred to existing frameworks aimed at combating these issues, specifically United Nations Security Council Resolution 2686 (2023). The resolution addresses the theme of “tolerance and international peace and security”, identifying hate speech, extremism and intolerance as significant contributors to conflict. It outlines joint strategies for states and communities to work together to mitigate these threats, underscoring the importance of peace and stability in the region.