Arab-Japanese Ministerial Council Prioritizes Water Security in Arab Nations

The Arab-Japanese Ministerial Political Dialogue has accentuated the pressing need for safeguarding water security across all Arab states, especially those facing challenges of water scarcity. The dialogue emphasized that nations sharing river resources should adhere to their commitments as per the internationally recognized legal frameworks and treaties.

This declaration followed the conclusion of the third session of the Arab-Japanese Ministerial Political Dialogue, which took place at the headquarters of the Arab League's General Secretariat. Egypt's Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, and Japan's Foreign Minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, chaired the meeting. Key participants included foreign ministers and leaders of Arab nations, along with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary-General of the Arab League.

The attending ministers emphasized the significance of nations with shared river resources engaging in negotiations with genuine intentions. The objective is to formulate equitable, balanced, and obligatory agreements that protect the rights of all involved parties, ensuring alignment with international law and discouraging any unilateral actions that might jeopardize the negotiation processes.

A Vision for Peace in the Middle East

The dialogue also shed light on the dire need for establishing a just, enduring, and inclusive peace in the Middle East. The ministers voiced their support for concluding the Israeli occupation of Palestinian and other Arab territories seized in 1967, including East Jerusalem and the Syrian Golan Heights. They called for addressing longstanding issues, such as the Palestinian refugee situation, in accordance with UN resolutions, principles of international law, the "Land for Peace" initiative, and the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002, advocating the two-state solution.

The ministers firmly stood behind the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. They unanimously labeled Israel's settlement endeavors as illegitimate, urging a complete cessation and adherence to relevant UN resolutions. They also denounced any actions that could prematurely determine the ultimate status of East Jerusalem and condemned any forms of violence or provocation.

Additionally, they underscored the importance of maintaining the historical status at the holy sites in the occupied East Jerusalem. They particularly highlighted the Hashemite guardianship of Jordan's King Abdullah II over these sacred locations. The leadership of the Jerusalem Committee by King Mohammed VI of Morocco was also lauded.

Praising Egypt's consistent efforts towards Palestinian reconciliation, they also acknowledged Algeria's contributions to the same cause.