RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, 29 April 2024 – Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide expressed gratitude to His Highness Prince Faisal for hosting a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focusing on the efforts for a two-state solution, including the recognition of the Palestinian State.
“Shukran and thank you very much, your Highness Prince Faisal, for hosting us and for co-hosting this with me,” said Eide. He also acknowledged the strong work done by the Arab group and the OIC countries for this peace vision.
Eide emphasized the importance of bridging the good work that is going on in the region, led by the Arab group of ministers who visited Oslo and many other capitals. He stressed the need to share ideas and continue to elaborate on their vision or initiative, together with those in Europe who would very much like to support a path to peace and a Palestinian state in the context of a two-state solution.
“We are at a very critical juncture,” Eide stated, referring to the ongoing horrors in Gaza and the West Bank, and the events in Israel. He outlined three tracks to reflect on: the immediate challenge of a ceasefire, the issue of humanitarian access, and the political process towards a two-state solution.
Eide underscored the importance of moving forward towards Palestinian state building. “How do we create a future, which is good for the Palestinian people and the Israeli people. I’m convinced we all hope they shall live in peace together when a two-state solution is found,” he said.
Eide described the current situation as a deep crisis affecting Palestine, Israel, the entire region, and the world. He emphasized that this drama affects everybody and is on the top of the global discourse agenda. He also highlighted the opportunity that every crisis presents.
“We need to see that this drama has to be met with a rejuvenated, reinvigorated path towards an irreversible path towards a settlement,” Eide said. He mentioned the security of Palestinians and Israel, possible normalization with Israel and those Arab states who have not done so yet, and how to build a Palestinian state in practice.
Eide concluded by stating that recognition is a tool, not an outcome. “It’s a tool to help something to happen,” he said, expressing his belief that we are probably closer to the date of bilateral recognition.
