On 27 November 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Krišjānis Kariņš, participated in the 8th Regional Forum of the Union for Mediterranean (UfM), which brought together European Union (EU) and South Mediterranean Ministers of Foreign Affairs to discuss the crisis in the Middle East and possible solutions. The event was chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Joseph Borrell, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan, Ayman Safadi. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, also attended the event as a guest, representing the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Addressing the partners, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Krišjānis Kariņš, stressed the need for more effective cooperation to break the cycle of endless violence, including by mobilising all possible support for a sustainable solution to the situation in the Middle East.
In a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Krišjānis Kariņš discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the EU and the Arab League to find a lasting solution to the situation in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is a key player in the Middle East region and is also playing a particularly active role in efforts to resolve the current escalation. Krišjānis Kariņš thanked Saudi Arabia for its role in the Ukraine peace initiative.
The current security and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank was discussed with Dr Riyad al-Maliki, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Palestinian Authority. The officials exchanged views on the support needed to overcome the crisis.
Krišjānis Kariņš also met with Dr Sven Koopmans, the EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, to discuss ways to strengthen the EU’s engagement and role in resolving the crisis, including by considering long-term solutions based on the two-state solution.
