Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty on Tuesday welcomed Sweden's decision to join a statement by 28 countries calling for the immediate entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. He also expressed hope that Sweden would resume funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Abdel-Aty met with Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dag Hartelius on the sidelines of the high-level international conference on resolving the Palestinian cause and implementing the two-state solution, held in New York. The Egyptian minister praised Sweden's support for the early recovery and reconstruction plan in Gaza. He briefed the Swedish official on the latest developments in the ceasefire negotiations and Egypt's ongoing efforts to reach an agreement. Abdel-Aty also outlined Egypt's preparations to host the early recovery and reconstruction conference immediately after a ceasefire agreement is announced, in coordination with the Palestinian government and the United Nations. He stressed that there is no alternative to fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, contiguous state along the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital. He reaffirmed that the two-state solution remains the cornerstone for achieving regional security and stability. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
