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Palestine FM Hails India-Arab Forum as Key Platform for Dialogue on Gaza Peace

Palestine Foreign Minister Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin has emphasized the importance of the India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting as a crucial forum for dialogue, particularly on the situation in Palestine. She highlighted India's unique position as a friend to both Israel and Palestine, capable of playing a constructive role in peace efforts. The meeting, the first hosted by India in a decade, reviewed bilateral development cooperation and discussed the Gaza peace plan. The forum aims to deepen the strategic partnership between India and the 22 Arab League member states across priority areas like economy, energy, and culture.

Key Points: India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meet: Key Platform for Gaza Talks

  • Platform for India-Arab dialogue on Palestine
  • India seen as honest broker in conflict
  • First meeting in India after 10-year hiatus
  • Aims to expand cooperation across five verticals
3 min read

Palestine FM Shahin calls India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meet 'important' forum to bring together India, Arab countries

Palestine FM Shahin calls India-Arab forum important for dialogue on Palestine. Meeting reviews development cooperation and Gaza peace plan.

"India is placed to venture into a role that brings both sides together because it's a friend of Israel, and it's a friend of the Palestinians - Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin"

New Delhi, January 30

Palestine Foreign Minister, Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, hailed the India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting and called it an important platform to bring together India and the Arab countries on several areas of interest, including the situation in Palestine.

"This is an important forum because it brings India and the Arab countries together, where there will be discussion on areas of interest, one of which would be the situation in Palestine. India is an important player, and we believe that several aspects of that conflict, alongside other important issues, will be discussed around the table", Shahin said.

She further emphasised the importance of India, as it is positioned to bring both India and Palestine together.

"I think India is placed to venture into a role that brings both sides together because it's a friend of Israel, and it's a friend of the Palestinian,s and it's a believer in international law. That stance is important for moving things in the right direction... Israel is legitimate. It has been recognised by the state of Palestine. Today I want to legitimise Palestine, and India can help in that direction," Shahin said.

Earlier today, EAM also met Palestine FM Shahin and exchanged views on the Gaza peace plan and regional developments with her. He also reviewed the development cooperation.

He said on X, "Glad to meet Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine @VarsenAghShahin. Exchanged views on the Gaza Peace Plan and regional developments. Reviewed our development cooperation and agreed on initiatives to take it forward."

The Foreign Ministers' meeting is taking place after a 10-year hiatus.

The first meeting was held in 2016 in Bahrain. At the first FMM, the Ministers identified five priority verticals of cooperation: economy, energy, education, media and culture and proposed a set of activities across these verticals.

The 2nd India-Arab FMM is expected to build on the existing cooperation, expanding and deepening the partnership.

The India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting is the highest institutional mechanism driving this partnership, which was formalised in March 2002 when India and the League of Arab States (LAS) signed an MoU institutionalising the process of dialogue.

A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed to establish the Arab-India Cooperation Forum during the visit of the then Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa to India in December 2008, and was subsequently revised in 2013 to reflect a revised structural organisation. India is an Observer to the League of Arab States, a pan Arab body with 22 member States.

As per the release, this is the first India-Arab FMM to be hosted by India in New Delhi and will see participation by all 22 Arab countries by Foreign Ministers, other Ministers, Ministers of State and other Senior Officials and the Arab League. The IAFMM will be preceded by the 4th India-Arab Senior Officials' Meeting on Friday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's good to see India hosting such important dialogues. Our historical support for the Palestinian cause is well-known, but our strong ties with Israel are also crucial for technology and defense. Walking this diplomatic tightrope skillfully is in our national interest.
R
Rohit P
While diplomacy is important, I hope our focus remains sharp on our own borders and security. These forums are good, but our foreign policy energy should first and foremost protect Indian citizens and interests. Just my two paise.
S
Sarah B
As an expat in Delhi, it's impressive to see India stepping up on the global stage like this. The world needs more neutral mediators who believe in international law. Hope this meeting translates into actual relief on the ground.
K
Karthik V
The economic and energy cooperation aspects are key for us. Stable relationships with Arab nations secure our energy needs and provide jobs for our diaspora. The Palestine issue is sensitive, but the broader strategic partnership is what will benefit common Indians.
M
Meera T
Respectfully, I sometimes feel we try to please everyone. The Minister says India can help "legitimise Palestine." That's a very strong statement. We must be careful not to over-promise. Our role should be of facilitation, not taking sides in a highly complex conflict.
D
David E

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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