State Secretary Matušić attends UN Conference on Two-State Solution

State Secretary for Political Affairs Frano Matušić is participating in the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of Palestine and the Two-State Solution. The conference, held from July 28 to 30 at the UN headquarters in New York, is being co-chaired by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 79/81.
 
Leaders of states and international organizations have called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the provision of humanitarian aid, primarily food and medicine, amid an alarming humanitarian crisis. It was emphasized that the coexistence of two states, Israel and Palestine, is the only solution based on international law, approved by the UN General Assembly and supported by the international community. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the conference as a “rare and irreplaceable opportunity,” a pivotal turning point that could allow progress toward ending the crisis and achieving the shared goal of a sustainable two-state solution. The co-chairs of the conference, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and France, called for increased attention and efforts by international actors to resolve the crisis and reach a long-term solution.
 
In his address, State Secretary Matušić emphasized that Croatia advocates the two-state solution as the only sustainable one, which must be achieved through political means - through negotiations and dialogue between Israel and Palestine, with the support of the international community. In this context, he stated that the first prerequisite is achieving a ceasefire, to prevent further civilian casualties in Gaza and to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid to the population in accordance with international humanitarian law, and to secure the unconditional release of hostages still held by Hamas. Matušić welcomed the efforts of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar in securing a ceasefire, as the first step toward lasting peace in the Middle East. He underlined that both Israel and Palestine have the right to live in peace and security and to mutually recognize each other. He also announced continued support from the Croatian government for the civilian population in Gaza, including the reception of children from Gaza into psychosocial recovery programs in Croatia. On the margins of the conference, Matušić is scheduled to hold separate bilateral meetings with Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan and Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Varsen Aghabekian.
 
During the conference, a final document was presented, which will be discussed during the upcoming autumn session of the UN General Assembly in New York and will serve as the basis for further discussions aimed at achieving a sustainable two-state solution.

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