Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

Josep Borrell, the European Union's foreign and security policy coordinator, held talks with a number of officials from Arab countries and others on the sidelines of the 60th edition of the Munich Security Conference in Germany. Borrell wrote in more than one of his posts on the X website, "formerly Twitter," referring to a series of conversations he held. With Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati
According to what Borrell wrote, the talks dealt with the latest developments in the current conflict in the Middle East and fears of an Israeli military attack targeting Palestinians in Rafah, as well as tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border.
Borrell wrote yesterday evening, Saturday, saying, “I met today with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shukri to discuss joint efforts to avoid a looming humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah and our work towards implementing the two-state solution.” According to statements by Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zaid, spokesman for the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the talks dealt in-depth with the latest developments in the security and humanitarian situation. In the Gaza Strip, both sides were keen to exchange views and the results of contacts with various parties in order to achieve a breakthrough in the tense situation.
Borrell wrote in another post that he discussed with His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the catastrophic situation in Gaza, the need for regional security and the next practical steps in the joint work of both sides regarding the two-state solution.
Regarding a meeting with Najib Mikati, the interim head of the Lebanese government, Borrell said, “We expressed common concern about the dangerous escalation on the Lebanese-Israeli border and discussed the dire situation in Gaza.” He stressed the vital role of UNRWA in Lebanon. He concluded by saying that we will cooperate closely in preparing for a comprehensive regional peace process
This comes after the European Union asked Israel not to carry out any military action in Rafah that would exacerbate the already disastrous humanitarian situation. All civilians must be protected in line with international humanitarian law. This was stated in a European statement issued in Brussels, which also stated, “We call on Hamas once again to release all hostages immediately and unconditionally.”
Regarding his participation in a ministerial meeting of the G7 countries, Borrell said: We are committed to continuing our steadfast support for Ukraine and stress the need for a permanent and sustainable end to the conflict in the Middle East, where Israelis and Palestinians have an equal right to live in security, dignity and peace.