Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry discussed the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict with his Jordanian, German, and French counterparts — Ayman Safadi, Annalena Baerbock, and Jean-Yves Le Drian, respectively. "The four ministers met in Munich on Saturday 19 February to continue coordination and consultations aiming to move the peace process in the Middle East towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace on the basis of a two-state solution," a joint statement said. The participating parties affirmed their commitment to all efforts aiming to achieve a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace, the statement added, recalling the importance of resuming direct effective negotiations between the two parties to the conflict under the auspices of the United Nations. The top diplomats also stressed the importance of all peace treaties between Arab states and Israel, which will help in settling the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, calling for the avoidance of any unilateral actions and violence. "We point to the need to avoid taking all unilateral measures that undermine the resolution on the establishment of the two states and the prospects for a just and lasting peace, particularly the construction and expansion of settlements, the confiscation of land, and the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes, including in East Jerusalem, as well as the renunciation of all acts of violence and incitement." Furthermore, the statement stressed the importance of preserving the historical and legal status of the holy places in Jerusalem, and the importance of the historical Hashemite guardianship over the holy places in Jerusalem. The quartet also affirmed the indispensable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and the need to provide it with the political and financial support it needs to continue to fulfil its mandate and provide vital services to all refugees.
