International Conference under the auspices of the UN, initiated by France and Saudi Arabia to promote a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, begins today in New York and will run until July 30. Greece will participate at the deputy ministerial level, with Giannis Loverdos representing the government.

During the meetings, important issues such as humanitarian aid, reconstruction, economic sustainability, regional security architecture, and reframing the narratives around the conflict will be discussed.

The conference comes days after French President Emanuel Macron announced that in September, his country would move to formally recognize the Palestinian state. Paris is also exerting diplomatic pressure on London for a similar decision, with 200 British MPs already calling on Prime Minister Kir Starmer to recognize Palestine. However, he says such action “would have to be part of a wider plan.”

Absent from the conference will be the United States and Israel, who once again make clear their disagreement with the prospect of a two-state solution.

Athens has decided on a low-level representation at the International Conference, as it maintains a firm interest in what is happening in the Middle East, but believes that any solutions should not be imposed unilaterally.