GCC Chief Welcomes Madrid Meeting Statement on Two-State Solution

GCC Secretary General Jassim Albudaiwi has welcomed the statement issued by the joint international meeting on implementing the two-state solution, held in Madrid, Spain. The meeting, which took place on September 14, 2024, brought together representatives from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Palestine, the Republic of Türkiye, the Kingdom of Spain, Ireland, the Kingdom of Norway, and the Republic of Slovenia, alongside the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Context and Background

The Madrid meeting represents a significant diplomatic effort to advance the two-state solution as a pathway to lasting peace in the Middle East. This initiative builds on decades of international consensus that a negotiated settlement, leading to an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, remains the most viable framework for resolving the conflict. The gathering in the Spanish capital underscores the continued commitment of regional and international stakeholders to dialogue and diplomacy.

Key Details

Albudaiwi praised the significant efforts of the Joint Ministerial Contact Group of the League of Arab States and the OIC, highlighting the statement made during the 161st ministerial session. That statement emphasized the importance of ongoing work by the ministerial committee chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This committee was established by the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit with a clear mandate: to halt Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, mobilize international support for Palestine’s efforts to gain wider recognition, support its bid for full membership in the United Nations, and convene an international peace conference.

Albudaiwi affirmed the firm position of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in supporting the sovereignty of the Palestinian people over all Palestinian territories occupied since June 1967, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and ensuring the return of refugees in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and international legitimacy resolutions.

Implications and Impact

The Madrid meeting and the GCC’s strong endorsement signal a renewed push for multilateral diplomacy on the Palestinian question. By bringing together Arab, European, and Islamic nations, the initiative aims to build a broad coalition capable of exerting diplomatic pressure and creating momentum for a comprehensive peace process. The involvement of European states like Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Slovenia highlights growing international concern and a desire for concrete progress toward a two-state solution. This collaborative approach strengthens the legitimacy of the Palestinian bid for UN membership and enhances the prospects for an international peace conference.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s leadership in chairing the ministerial committee and hosting the extraordinary summit aligns directly with the principles of Vision 2030, which positions Saudi Arabia as a hub for diplomacy, stability, and cooperation. By championing a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue, the Kingdom reinforces its role as a global leader committed to peace, human dignity, and regional security. This commitment underscores Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of a stable and prosperous Middle East, where dialogue and international law pave the way for sustainable development and mutual understanding.

20 Questions

Q1. Who welcomed the statement issued by the Madrid meeting?

A1. GCC Secretary General Jassim Albudaiwi welcomed the statement issued by the joint meeting on implementing the two-state solution held in Madrid, Spain.

Q2. Where was the meeting held?

A2. The meeting was held in Madrid, the capital of Spain, bringing together multiple nations and international organizations.

Q3. Which countries participated in the Madrid meeting?

A3. Participants included Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Türkiye, Spain, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, the League of Arab States, and the OIC.

Q4. What was the main focus of the Madrid meeting?

A4. The meeting focused on implementing the two-state solution, which aims to establish an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Q5. What is the two-state solution?

A5. The two-state solution proposes the creation of an independent Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside the State of Israel, based on pre-1967 borders.

Q6. Which organization does Jassim Albudaiwi represent?

A6. Jassim Albudaiwi serves as the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional intergovernmental union.

Q7. What committee did the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summit establish?

A7. The summit established a ministerial committee chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to address Israeli aggression and support Palestinian rights.

Q8. What are the goals of the ministerial committee chaired by Saudi Arabia?

A8. The committee aims to halt aggression, mobilize support for Palestine’s UN membership bid, and convene an international peace conference.

Q9. What is the GCC’s position on Palestinian sovereignty?

A9. The GCC supports Palestinian sovereignty over territories occupied since June 1967, an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and refugee return.

Q10. What is the Arab Peace Initiative?

A10. The Arab Peace Initiative is a proposal for a comprehensive peace between Arab states and Israel, based on the two-state solution and full normalization of relations.

Q11. Why is the Madrid meeting considered significant?

A11. It represents a renewed multilateral diplomatic effort involving Arab, European, and Islamic nations to advance the two-state solution and international peace efforts.

Q12. How does Saudi Arabia contribute to this diplomatic effort?

A12. Saudi Arabia chairs the ministerial committee and actively leads regional and international initiatives to support Palestinian rights and peace negotiations.

Q13. What is Vision 2030’s role in Saudi foreign policy?

A13. Vision 2030 positions Saudi Arabia as a global hub for diplomacy and stability, promoting peace, cooperation, and sustainable development in the region.

Q14. Which European nations participated in the Madrid meeting?

A14. Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Slovenia participated, demonstrating growing European engagement in the Middle East peace process.

Q15. What is the League of Arab States’ role in this context?

A15. The League, alongside the OIC, coordinates joint Arab and Islamic diplomatic efforts, including the Joint Ministerial Contact Group supporting the peace process.

Q16. What is the OIC’s position on Palestine?

A16. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation supports the Palestinian people’s rights, including self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.

Q17. How does this meeting support Palestine’s UN membership bid?

A17. The meeting and its statement rally international support for Palestine’s bid for full membership in the United Nations, a key diplomatic goal.

Q18. What is the significance of the 161st ministerial session?

A18. The 161st ministerial session of the Arab League emphasized the importance of the Saudi-chaired committee’s ongoing efforts for peace and justice.

Q19. What is the role of international law in this issue?

A19. International legitimacy resolutions, including UN Security Council resolutions, form the legal basis for Palestinian rights and the two-state solution.

Q20. What is the expected outcome of an international peace conference?

A20. An international peace conference aims to bring all parties together to negotiate a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on internationally recognized parameters.

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