State Secretary Matušić attends 8th UfM Regional Forum

State Secretary Frano Matušić attended on 26-27 November the 8th Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean. The Forum was opened by Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, with keynote addresses on Israel and Gaza, as well as UfM's role in promoting peace, security and stability in the region, delivered by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, Jordanian Deputy Foreign Minister Axman Safadi, and UfM Secretary-General Nadder Kamel.

The participants underscored the importance of stabilizing the overall situation in the Middle East and reaching a two-state solution. They condemned the terrorist attacks on Israel and called for additional political and humanitarian aid to Gaza.

During a ministerial meeting, Matušić reflected on the importance of achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. He condemned Hamas' attack, expressing expectation that all hostages be released unconditionally. He also highlighted Israel's right to self-defence in line with the international and humanitarian law, as well as the necessity of avoiding civilian casualties in Gaza. In that context, the state secretary reflected on the aid provided by the Croatian government as well as the support for EU's decisions and efforts to establish humanitarian corridors in Gaza. Matušić said that a two-state solution would lead to a more lasting peace, adding that we "need to give peace a chance."

This year's Regional Forum saw the presence of high representatives of EU institutions and representatives of the 35 UfM member countries.

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