Skopje, 27 November 2023 (MIA) - Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani took part in the 8th Regional Forum of the Union for Mediterranean (UfM) in Barcelona on Monday, at the invitation of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan, Ayman Safadi. Talks focused on the Israel - Palestine situation and the consequences in the Middle East region.

Minister Osmani said that focus must be put on diplomatic efforts to find a long-term, sustainable solution for a post-conflict scenario, ensuring stabilization and guaranteeing stability and peace for Israel and the Palestinian territories and the wider region, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release. 

"We must not allow the unfortunate developments to undermine the basic principles and goals of this organization, and cast a shadow on current achievements. On the contrary, we must be even more committed and find a way to encourage mutual cooperation, dialogue and trust. I strongly believe that there is no other alternative - this is the only way forward," Osmani stressed. 

According to him, at this point it is of utmost importance to ensure uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza without violating the international humanitarian law. He welcomed the release of the hostages from the Gaza Strip as part of the temporary ceasefire agreement, and called for the immediate release of the remaining hostages.

On the sidelines of the Regional Forum of the UfM, which was attended by foreign ministers and their deputies from 37 UfM member-states, FM Osmani held several bilateral meetings with counterparts, the press release adds. ssh/nn/

Photo: MFA