GCC-EU Summit Poised to Back Two-State Solution

Christophe Farnaud, the European Union’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Christophe Farnaud, the European Union’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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GCC-EU Summit Poised to Back Two-State Solution

Christophe Farnaud, the European Union’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Christophe Farnaud, the European Union’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The escalating conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon are pushing the two-state solution to the forefront of the agenda for the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council-European Union (GCC-EU) Summit in Brussels next Wednesday.
The summit is expected to back the Global Alliance for Implementing the Two-State Solution, recently launched by Saudi Arabia.
Christophe Farnaud, the EU’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, said the EU and Gulf countries are united in their call for a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he also expected a strong, unified position on establishing a Palestinian state during this first-of-its-kind summit.
Farnaud highlighted the EU’s support for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and humanitarian aid, while reaffirming the EU’s alignment with Arab and Gulf nations on the two-state solution.
Recognition of Palestine ‘Just a Matter of Time’
On the topic of recognizing a Palestinian state, Farnaud revealed that many EU member states have reached an initial agreement, and it's “only a matter of time” before more countries officially recognize Palestine.
Some have already done so, while others are deciding the right timing.
He praised the Saudi-led Global Alliance for Implementing the Two-State Solution, launched in September, which includes Arab, Islamic, Norwegian, and EU support.
The initiative was well received internationally, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell commending Saudi Arabia’s efforts during a recent UN meeting on Gaza.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide called the two-state solution “the only reliable path to peace in the Middle East” and stressed the need to establish a Palestinian state now.
Economic Partnership, Cooperation
On the economic front, Farnaud said the summit will build on previous meetings to strengthen long-term partnerships between the EU and the Gulf. The leaders will discuss economic, investment, and trade cooperation, with trade in goods alone between the two regions reaching €170 billion.
Key Issues on the Summit Agenda
The summit will also address security, regional stability, and ongoing crises in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and the Red Sea. Both sides are committed to finding diplomatic solutions to these issues.
Free Trade, Visa Cooperation
Farnaud confirmed the EU’s commitment to reaching a free trade agreement with Gulf countries, while noting that some technical issues remain. He also expressed interest in advancing talks on a potential visa waiver between the Schengen area and Gulf nations.
The summit will be the first of its kind between the GCC and the EU. Farnaud recently held positive discussions with Saudi officials to finalize preparations and set priorities for the meeting.

 



Abbas Thanks Saudi Arabia for Role in France’s Historic Commitment to Recognize State of Palestine

French President Emmanuel Macron (L) shakes hands with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah, on January 22, 2020. (AFP)
French President Emmanuel Macron (L) shakes hands with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah, on January 22, 2020. (AFP)
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Abbas Thanks Saudi Arabia for Role in France’s Historic Commitment to Recognize State of Palestine

French President Emmanuel Macron (L) shakes hands with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah, on January 22, 2020. (AFP)
French President Emmanuel Macron (L) shakes hands with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah, on January 22, 2020. (AFP)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed on Friday his deep gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s efforts and honorable positions — under the leadership of the 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 — that contributed to France’s historic commitment to recognize the State of Palestine.

Abbas welcomed the message from French President Emmanuel Macron that said France intends to recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September.

He praised this bold step as a significant step towards achieving peace based on the two-state solution, in line with international resolutions and international law.

This move is a victory for the Palestinian cause and reflects France’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate, inalienable rights to their homeland, added Abbas.

He urged other countries to take similar actions by recognizing the State of Palestine based on the internationally recognized two-state solution and in line with relevant international resolutions.