By Manal El Warraky
The foreign ministers of the participating countries in the fifth meeting of the International Coalition for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held in Rabat, affirmed that this meeting represents an important stage in efforts to strengthen momentum toward achieving peace in the Middle East. During the meeting, organized by Morocco in partnership with the Netherlands, under the theme “Sustaining Momentum for the Peace Process: Lessons Learned, Success Stories, and Next Steps,” they emphasized the need for concerted efforts to pave the way for a just and lasting solution based on the option of two states living side by side in peace and security.
In this regard, Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Farseen Aghabakian Shahin, expressed her gratitude to Morocco for organizing this meeting, in partnership with the Netherlands, which represents a favorable opportunity to unify regional and international efforts towards a just and lasting solution. She considered this meeting, the fifth, following four other meetings held in Riyadh, Brussels, Oslo, and Cairo, and that it embodies the collective commitment to the two-state solution as a realistic option to end the conflict. She noted that this meeting serves as a reminder of the tragic situation facing the Palestinian people and affirms the shared resolve to confront this situation. For his part, the Secretary-General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Christiaan Rebergen, emphasized that the two-state solution can truly bring peace, security, and stability to the region. He considered the current situation on the ground unacceptable, and that “we must demonstrate the will to work together to implement the two-state solution.” He also noted that this meeting, the first jointly chaired by an Arab and European country under the auspices of the international coalition, provided an opportunity to discuss ways to establish a strong Palestinian economy that would support the aspirations of the Palestinian people and an independent Palestinian state. For his part, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani stressed that the two-state solution is not merely a political goal, but rather a humanitarian necessity and a legal obligation based on international law. He noted that it remains the only viable way to break the cycle of violence and unlock the region’s potential. In a video message, he emphasized the need for a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages and detainees, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. He added that the meeting “enabled us to consolidate this unity and the momentum of this two-state solution. With a serious commitment from all parties, we can strengthen the global coalition and make the two-state solution a reality, transforming the Middle East into a region of peace, stability, and mutual respect, where people of all faiths coexist in dignity.”
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot highlighted the great importance his country attaches to the global coalition, noting that this meeting comes at a crucial moment. In a video address, he added that “the two-state solution is more necessary today than ever,” noting that reaching a ceasefire that ends the suffering of the Gaza Strip’s residents, leads to the release of all hostages, and the resumption of humanitarian aid delivery has become urgent.
Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tanja Fajon, called in a video address for facilitating the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and its distribution under the supervision of international humanitarian actors and in accordance with humanitarian rules. She noted the need to support the United Nations and its agencies, including UNRWA, and ensure its funding. She emphasized that her country remains fully engaged in ongoing initiatives for a lasting peace.
Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the European Union, and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares Bueno, emphasized in a video address that this meeting is being held at a time when the international community is committed to accelerating the establishment of a two-state solution, especially after the launch of the Global Coalition in 2024. He called for an immediate ceasefire that would be respected at all stages, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population. He emphasized the importance of working toward an agreement to form a unified government in Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, and a two-state political solution.
For his part, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide affirmed his country’s full conviction that the two-state solution is the only viable path to freedom, peace, and security for both countries, considering that “the situation in Gaza and the West Bank requires an urgent response from us.” He also emphasized that this coalition was created so that the relevant members of the international community can take the necessary measures to contribute to the establishment of lasting peace and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
