Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a meeting at the headquarters of the Kingdom’s permanent delegation to the United Nations in New York on Thursday with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, within the framework of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.
The meeting reviewed the progress made regarding the establishment of the General Secretariat and the committees and working teams emanating from the agreement, in addition to preparations to begin their work.
During the meeting, the ministers affirmed their condemnation in the strongest terms of the sinful attacks that targeted Mecca and the civil and economic installations in the Kingdom, praising the vigilance of the Saudi armed forces and their ability to defend the security of the Kingdom, and affirming the Kingdom’s right to take the measures it deems appropriate to defend its security in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
The meeting touched on the ongoing arrangements to hold an urgent meeting of the chiefs of staff in the three countries, with the aim of discussing ways to support the Kingdom in accordance with the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, and what it stipulates that any attack on any party is considered an attack on all parties. The ministers also discussed the current situation in the region, stressing the importance of consolidating the principles of international law, good neighbourliness, mutual respect for the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs, and ensuring the security and freedom of maritime navigation.
The ministers renewed their determination to continue working to achieve sustainable peace and stability in the region, support efforts aimed at reducing escalation, and push towards reaching peaceful solutions to the existing crises.
The Global Alliance to Implement the Two-State Solution affirmed on Thursday that resolving the Palestinian issue constitutes the basis for regional peace and integration, based on the Arab Peace Initiative, the New York Declaration, and the Comprehensive Peace Plan.
This came in a joint statement following a ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, one year after the adoption of the “New York Declaration,” with the participation of the Palestinian Prime Minister, nearly 100 countries and organizations, and the High Representative of the Peace Council in Gaza.
The co-chairs stressed that the two-state solution is the only internationally agreed upon path that guarantees the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, achieving permanent security for Israel, and establishing peace in the entire region, noting that it enjoys stronger international consensus than it has in years, despite the escalating danger of the chances of achieving it, but they still exist.
They expressed their deep concern about developments on the ground that undermine the foundations of the two-state solution, and said that settlement expansion, including the “E1” plan, along with demolitions, policies of forced displacement, annexation and threats against them, and unprecedented settler violence, undermine the unity and geographical connectivity of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
The statement also called for stopping these measures, holding those responsible for settler violence accountable, and preserving the existing historical and legal status in the holy places in Holy Jerusalem.
The participants reaffirmed their vision of “One Palestine.” Two countries. A region enjoying peace,” noting that “Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, constitute a single Palestinian territorial unit, and the occupation must end.”
The statement affirmed that the right of the Palestinian people is inalienable to self-determination and to establish its independent, sovereign, democratic, geographically contiguous and viable state, living side by side with Israel in security and peace on the basis of the 1967 lines, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
He stressed that the New York Declaration, the Comprehensive Peace Plan, and Security Council Resolution 2803 reinforce each other, and that Gaza cannot have a separate political future, stressing that “the transitional arrangements must lead to its reunification with the West Bank under the authority of a single legitimate Palestinian government,” and reiterated support for the Peace Council, the Office of the High Representative, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, and the International Stabilization Force in performing the tasks assigned to each of them.
The participants called for the consolidation of the ceasefire in Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas and all armed groups, and the complete Israeli withdrawal through reliable and verifiable implementation, as well as support for the transitional phase in the security field, including the International Stabilization Force and the training of a Palestinian police force whose members are subject to scrutiny.
They called for the rapid, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to all parts of the Gaza Strip, especially through the United Nations and its agencies, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), as well as the immediate start of early recovery and reconstruction, supported by coordinated and reliable funding.
The statement expressed concern about the financial and institutional pressures facing the Palestinian Authority, and stressed that its financial sustainability must be maintained, including the release of all withheld clearing funds.
The participants noted “support for Palestinian-led reform and renewal of institutions, including through elections, and we call on all parties to facilitate the holding of the next national elections.” We also call on donors to provide direct aid to support the Palestinian Authority.”
They stressed their rejection of terrorism and incitement, and said: “This is a political and regional conflict that can be resolved, and it should not be portrayed as a religious conflict,” adding that “religious leaders and communities can contribute to consolidating coexistence, preserving human dignity, supporting peace, and preventing extremists from using religion to justify terrorism, violence, exclusion, or domination.”
The participants renewed their commitment to respect international law, the relevant United Nations resolutions, and the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on July 19, 2024, stressing that the “Global Alliance” will continue to support the national commitments and actions taken within the framework of the “New York Declaration.”
The statement pointed to the firm commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state and not separating Gaza from the West Bank. It also informed the Israelis that placing obstacles in the way of the two-state solution will not achieve lasting security, and that a peaceful future alongside an independent Palestinian state is still possible. It made clear to the international community that the proposed option is to act now to preserve the two-state solution and embody it on the ground, or risk undermining its components.
The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Dr. Saleh Al-Fawzan, described the Houthi group as “a gang of evil and a conspiracy of enemies,” stressing that it “was based on corruption in doctrine and method, so it revolted against its rulers, in successive temptations over many years.” Until the countries and the people were divided.”
This came in a statement he addressed to the Almoravids and the coalition forces, calling on them to “be united against this misguided sect and the deviant group, which declares the Companions of the Prophet (may God bless him and grant him peace) infidels, makes it permissible to shed the blood of Muslims, and makes it permissible to demolish and destroy their mosques,” adding: “God is your supporter and supporter, so trust in Him.”
Al-Fawzan said: “God has bestowed upon us this upright religion (Islam), the unity of the word in this good and blessed country, and the unity of ranks around the rulers of our affairs,” indicating that “Among His greatest blessings to Saudi Arabia is that He established it according to His Book and the Sunnah of His Messenger, and honored it with the service of the Two Holy Mosques, and granted them service and care that had never been seen since the Rightly Guided Caliphate.”
Preserving this great entity (Saudi Arabia), being stationed on its borders, repelling aggression against it, and punishing anyone who wants to touch an inch of it, is considered one of the greatest duties, the best of closeness, and one of the things in which one’s souls and souls are spent seeking the pleasure of God, especially since this country embraces the sanctities of Muslims, and a great pillar of Islam (Hajj) and one of its great rituals (Umrah) are performed within it.
The Mufti stressed that the Almoravids have great virtues and rewards, and “you must always be ready to do your duty, listen and obey your rulers and leaders in the field, and carry out orders with complete perfection, as God commanded the companions of His Prophet to do so,” continuing: “And you are following in the footsteps of the companions of His Prophet; You defend the sanctities of Muslims, and raise the banner of monotheism.” He also advised them to be patient, patient, and persistent.
Al-Fawzan explained that the coalition forces are “on a great front, and on an honorable and solemn mission,” adding: “So hold fast to the rope of God; Unite your ranks, cooperate among yourselves, unite your word, and know that you are fighting an enemy (the Houthi group), who has spread corruption in the country, divided the people, rebelled against those in charge of his affairs, and has harmed the sanctities of Muslims, but God Almighty is watching over them.
The Mufti stressed that “restoring security and stability in Yemen under its legitimate leadership is one of the most important duties. So that our Yemeni brothers can live in security, safety, prosperity and stability, and their state will be with the rest of the countries of the Islamic world in renaissance, development, and cohesion.” He asked God to protect Saudi Arabia and Yemen from all evil, provide the Almoravids with His help, and cut off the roots of the Houthi group and those who help and support them.
