France, Saudi Arabia voice shared determination to contribute to Middle Eastern peace, stability

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan expressed their determination to contribute to Middle Eastern peace and stability, the French Foreign Ministry announced in a statement on Thursday.

"The ministers reviewed the regional situation. They emphasized their shared determination to contribute to resolving crises in accordance with international law, and to work toward peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East," said the statement issued following a meeting between Barrot and Prince Faisal on Wednesday.

They discussed the upcoming international conference on the implementation of the two-state solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, and expressed their expectations that the conference would result in "concrete commitment" allowing Israel and a Palestinian state to coexist for the sake of regional security.

"In light of the humanitarian emergency, they stressed the urgent need for Israeli authorities to cease all obstruction to the entry, delivery, and distribution of humanitarian aid, in coordination with UN agencies and international NGOs," the statement noted.

On Syria, the two sides expressed grave concern over the deadly clashes in the Suwayda region, urged all parties to uphold the July 19 ceasefire, and reaffirmed that all civilians must be protected without distinction.

"They called on the Syrian authorities and local leaders in the Sweida region to reengage in dialogue to reach a lasting agreement that would strengthen Syria’s unity, stability, and sovereignty," the statement read.

Concerning Lebanon, the ministers voiced their "full support" for swift reforms to restore institutions, revive the economy, and strengthen state sovereignty.

"Regarding Iran, the two ministers reaffirmed the priority of Iran resuming cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and restarting negotiations to reach a robust, verifiable, and durable agreement that would provide long-term oversight of Iran’s nuclear program and address its other destabilizing activities," the statement added.