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NEW DELHI: ‘Stand against terror, unite for peace’ – that seemed to be UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s efforts during his two-day trip to capitals of countries in the Middle East.
Sunak met Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo on October 20, a day after his talks with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
The PM expressed his deep condolences for the loss of civilian lives in Gaza and underscored his commitment to opening up humanitarian access to alleviate the suffering of thousands of people who desperately need food, water and medicine.
He updated President Abbas on his meetings with the Israel PM and President of Egypt President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Two-state solution
The UK PM reiterated his country’s long-standing commitment to the two-state solution and to achieving a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security.
During his meeting with President Sisi earlier, PM Sunak welcomed Egypt’s efforts to reopen the Rafah border crossing with Gaza as soon as possible. He said the £10-million uplift to the UK’s humanitarian aid to the region was the first manifestation of that commitment.
They agreed that global leaders should do everything possible to avoid a contagion of conflict in the region and that every effort must be made to stop terrorism and protect civilians.
Meets Emir of Qatar
Earlier that morning, he met the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in Riyadh. The two leaders agreed that the loss of civilian life in the region was shocking and tragic.
They also underlined the imperative of avoiding any escalation in the violence across the region and agreed that leaders had a responsibility to do everything possible to prevent it. PM Sunak thanked Qatar for its efforts to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas two weeks ago, including British nationals. He said the UK Government would use all the tools at disposal to support these efforts and end the torment of the victims and their families.
He flew to Saudi Arabia on October 19 following talks with Israel President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
PM Sunak agreed to work with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to avoid further escalation and deliver aid to Gaza. He urged Saudi Arabia to use its influence to support stability in the Middle East.
