The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, has stepped up his diplomatic efforts in response to the military escalation in the Middle East. In this juncture, he has held talks with his counterparts from Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt and Saudi Arabia with the aim of pushing for urgent de-escalation, containing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and reinforcing commitment to a lasting political solution.
In his dialogue with the Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi, the Ministers agreed on the need to work together to contain the violence and move towards a just peace, based on recognition of the State of Palestine and the two-State solution.
Minister Albares also met with Palestinian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Mustafa, with whom he discussed the situation in Gaza and the region. In this context, he highlighted the recent UN General Assembly resolution, promoted by Spain and Palestine, which demands an immediate ceasefire and reaffirms the international commitment to the two-State solution as the only viable path to peace.
During his conversation with the Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Youssef Rajji, Albares expressed concern about regional instability and called for restraint from all actors. He also reiterated Spain's firm support for Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity, as well as Spanish commitment to the UN mission in the country, UNIFIL.
The Minister also held a dialogue with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, conveying Spain's recognition of Egypt's mediation efforts to halt the war in Gaza and move towards the implementation of the two-State solution.
Lastly, in his conversation with the Saudi Arabian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister Albares reiterated the urgent need to avoid a further escalation of violence and reaffirmed Spain's commitment to a secure and prosperous Middle East based on mutual respect and compliance with international law.
Spain will continue to make every diplomatic effort in bilateral and multilateral fora to contribute to a lasting peace in the Middle East, guided by the principles of dialogue, international legality and respect for human rights.
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