Saudi Arabia Launches Global Alliance to Establish Two-State Solution

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan during the ministerial meeting on the Palestinian issue and peace efforts (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan during the ministerial meeting on the Palestinian issue and peace efforts (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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Saudi Arabia Launches Global Alliance to Establish Two-State Solution

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan during the ministerial meeting on the Palestinian issue and peace efforts (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan during the ministerial meeting on the Palestinian issue and peace efforts (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced on Thursday on behalf of the Arab and Islamic countries and European partners, the launch of a new Global Alliance dedicated to advancing the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The "Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution" initiative was announced during Prince Faisal's speech at the ministerial meeting on the Palestinian cause, held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In his speech, Prince Faisal emphasized that the war on Gaza triggered a humanitarian disaster, alongside the serious violations committed by the Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank, and the threat to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and religious sanctities, further entrenching the policies of occupation and violent extremism.
“Self-defense can never justify the killing of tens of thousands of civilians, the systematic destruction, forced displacement, and the use of starvation as a tool of war, incitement, dehumanization, and the systematic torture in its most horrific forms, including sexual violence and other documented crimes according to United Nations reports," said the Saudi Minister.
He added, pointing to Israel’s escalation in Lebanon: “These days we are witnessing a serious rise in tension affecting our sister the Republic of Lebanon and poses a significant risk of igniting a regional war, threatening both our region and the world at large."
Demanding an immediate end to the ongoing war and all violations of international law, he said that those obstructing the peace process must be held accountable.
"We question the credibility and legitimacy of the global system when we stand powerless to stop the machinery of war, while some persist in selectively applying international law in blatant violation of the most basic standards of equality, freedom, and human rights," he said.
The Minister emphasized that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is an inherent right and a fundamental basis for peace, rather than a final outcome to be negotiated within an elusive political process.
“We affirm our appreciation for the countries that have recently recognized Palestine, and we urge all nations to show the courage to make the same decision and join the international consensus represented by the 149 countries that recognize Palestine," he stated.
“Implementing the two-state solution is the best way to break the cycle of conflict and suffering, creating a new reality where the entire region, including Israel, can enjoy security and coexistence," Prince Faisal underscored.
He concluded his speech expressing hopes to ending this conflict and safeguarding international security and peace.
“We invite all nations to join this initiative, assuring you that we will spare no effort in creating a credible and irreversible pathway toward a just and comprehensive peace," Prince Faisal said.



Communications Minister: Saudi Arabia Model of Int'l Cooperation in Bridging Social and AI Gaps

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Alswaha speaks at the panel session on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Alswaha speaks at the panel session on Monday. (SPA)
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Communications Minister: Saudi Arabia Model of Int'l Cooperation in Bridging Social and AI Gaps

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Alswaha speaks at the panel session on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Alswaha speaks at the panel session on Monday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Alswaha said on Monday the Kingdom, under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, presents a model of international cooperation to bridge social, economic and AI gaps.

Alswaha highlighted the Kingdom's efforts, in collaboration with the UN’s International Telecommunication Union, to conduct a study on how to bridge the digital divide, in view of the fact that 2.6 billion people lack access to digital solutions.

He made his remarks at a panel session at the Summit of the Future held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Kingdom launched the virtual hospital as a pioneering model in healthcare, and performed numerous specialized surgeries, including open-heart operations on patients in various countries, Alswaha continued.

The Kingdom is proud of the growth of its digital economy; it had proposed the establishment of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) to bridge gaps and serve over 800 million people, he added.

This can be done by providing digital platforms and a unified digital market to foster innovative and entrepreneurial models in healthcare, education, and business, thus improving efficiency and helping the digital economy grow, he said.

Through its membership in the AI Advisory Body, led by the UN secretary-general, Saudi Arabia is contributing to bridging social, economic and AI gaps, shaping the future of humanity and empowering individuals, stressed Alswaha.

The Kingdom, he added, presented seven recommendations, among which, to establish an independent international scientific committee focused on AI, launch a multi-government dialogue on AI governance involving stakeholders, create a platform for sharing standards and experience related to AI, and building a global network for capacity development.

"To boost joint efforts and exchange experience, the Kingdom is proud to announce its framework for AI governance in partnership with the UN, the establishment of the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in partnership with UNESCO, and the launching of the AI Readiness Framework in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union," the minister said.

"As we celebrate today the launch of the Pact for the Future, we must unite in recognizing that we have only one option: a comprehensive AI that empowers humanity and ensures that no one is left behind in keeping pace with the world," he said.