The State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Spain issued a joint statement today, Saturday, on the occasion of the first strategic dialogue held on June 21, 2024, in the Spanish capital, Madrid.

According to the Qatari News Agency "QNA," Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, José Manuel Albares Bueno, reviewed bilateral cooperation on a number of regional and international issues, including the ongoing war in Gaza.

Both the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Spain reiterated their commitment to achieving a fair and just peace, ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and mutual security with Israel.

They agreed that peace can only be achieved now through negotiations between the two parties, backed by international support and through the implementation of the two-state solution.

Both sides emphasized their call for an immediate, permanent, and sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to allow for the unobstructed delivery of urgent humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages.

They also called on all parties to ensure that necessary measures are taken to implement the International Court of Justice ruling issued on May 24, 2024, regarding Rafah.

In this context, Qatar welcomed Spain's efforts to end the war in Gaza and initiate a lasting and just peace process to implement the two-state solution, including Spain's proposal to hold an international peace conference in the Middle East with the participation of both parties.

Both the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Spain hope that this will lead to increased international efforts to support the two-state solution path and return to the negotiating process.

They affirmed that achieving comprehensive and just peace in the region is contingent upon establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The two sides stressed the importance of prioritizing de-escalation efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, which would lead to a reduction of tensions in other volatile regional fronts.

They also discussed regional security challenges and visions for resolving conflicts related to Israel and Palestine, adding that diplomacy is the only way forward.