GCC Secretary General Welcomes Statement Issued at Madrid Meeting on Two-State Solution

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi
The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi
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GCC Secretary General Welcomes Statement Issued at Madrid Meeting on Two-State Solution

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi
The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, has welcomed at statement issued by several countries that met in Madrid on implementing the two-state solution.

Held in Madrid on Friday, the event included participants from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Türkiye, Spain, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, the League of Arab States, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Al-Budaiwi affirmed the firm position of the GCC countries in supporting the sovereignty of the Palestinian people over all Palestinian territories occupied since June 1967, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and ensuring the return of refugees in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and international legitimacy resolutions.

The statement issued following the Madrid meeting said that “the international community must take active steps to implement the two-state solution, including universal recognition of the State of Palestine, and its admission as a full member of the United Nations.”

It also called for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, including from the Philadelphi corridor.



UAE Lifts Lebanon Travel Ban

The UAE Embassy in Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The UAE Embassy in Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UAE Lifts Lebanon Travel Ban

The UAE Embassy in Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The UAE Embassy in Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The United Arab Emirates lifted a ban on its citizens travelling to Lebanon allowing trips to the country as of May 7, 2025, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday.
The decision came at the directives of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in a bid to bolster brotherly relations between the two countries.
The decision came after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun paid the UAE an official visit and met Al Nahyan. They discussed ways to bolster bilateral relations and agreed on easing travel restrictions.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its commitment to the safety and security of UAE citizens abroad. It urged all those planning to travel to Lebanon to fully comply with the guidelines issued by the ministry to ensure a safe and orderly travel experience.