GCC-EU Meeting in Muscat Affirms Two-State Solution, Release of Civilians

The 27th GCC-EU Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting (Oman News)
The 27th GCC-EU Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting (Oman News)
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GCC-EU Meeting in Muscat Affirms Two-State Solution, Release of Civilians

The 27th GCC-EU Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting (Oman News)
The 27th GCC-EU Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting (Oman News)

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi has called for an immediate ceasefire between Palestinians and Israelis, as warplanes continued to bomb the Gaza Strip.

At the outset of a strategic dialogue session bringing together officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the EU in Muscat on Tuesday, Albusaidi also urged the release of captives on both sides and emphasized adherence to international humanitarian law.

He stressed the need to address the root causes of violence between the parties.

“We will not witness peace until the suffering of Palestinians is properly resolved in accordance with international law,” said Albusaidi.

Meanwhile, Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, affirmed that the “two-state solution” is the way to make progress in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, urging the international community to work towards a settlement based on this principle.

The concluding statement of the 27th GCC-EU strategic dialogue session, as delivered by Borrell, expressed concerns regarding the developments in Israel.

It condemned all actions targeting civilians and called for water and food to be delivered to Gaza.

“We speak with one voice in urging restraint, an immediate ceasefire, the release of prisoners on both sides, and adherence to international humanitarian law,” said Albusaidi at the opening of the joint meeting between GCC foreign ministers and the EU in Muscat.

Albusaidi stressed that the “two-state solution is the only and best way to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.”

He pointed out that the GCC and the EU both agreed on the importance of restraint, de-escalation, and the release of civilians held by all parties.

“We are committed to urgently supporting efforts to initiate a new and purposeful dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis for the sake of peace,” revealed Albusaidi.

For his part, Borell emphasized the need to seize the opportunity presented by the Gulf-European meeting to explore effective ways to defuse the ongoing crisis.



First Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Syria to Aid Fire-affected Syrians in Latakia

This marks the 17th aircraft in the Saudi air bridge initiative, with this flight being the first dedicated to supporting the Syrian people - SPA
This marks the 17th aircraft in the Saudi air bridge initiative, with this flight being the first dedicated to supporting the Syrian people - SPA
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First Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Syria to Aid Fire-affected Syrians in Latakia

This marks the 17th aircraft in the Saudi air bridge initiative, with this flight being the first dedicated to supporting the Syrian people - SPA
This marks the 17th aircraft in the Saudi air bridge initiative, with this flight being the first dedicated to supporting the Syrian people - SPA

The first Saudi relief plane landed at Aleppo International Airport in Syria, carrying urgent relief aid, including shelter materials for those affected by wildfires in Latakia Governorate. This aircraft marks the beginning of the Saudi air bridge operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense.

In a statement to the SPA, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah noted that this humanitarian assistance reflects the spirit of brotherly and humanitarian solidarity that characterizes the government of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He noted that this marks the 17th aircraft in the Saudi air bridge initiative, with this flight being the first dedicated to supporting the Syrian people.

Dr. Al Rabeeah stressed that the Kingdom prioritizes humanitarian work as a core mission stemming from its noble values and long-standing generosity, and out of its belief that human dignity is a fundamental right for every individual on earth.

KSrelief also signed a cooperation agreement yesterday with the Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management to provide essential equipment, supplies, and machinery needed to combat wildfires in the town of Kassab, in Latakia Governorate. The agreement aims to enhance the rapid and effective response capacity through technical and logistical support for field firefighting teams.

These humanitarian efforts are part of the Kingdom's ongoing commitment, through KSrelief, to easing the suffering of those affected and fulfilling its substantial humanitarian role in aiding the needy and disaster-stricken people worldwide.