STOCKHOLM (Petra) - HRH Prince Feisal said on Wednesday the Middle East faces several challenges that require the attention of the international community, most prominently among them the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

In a speech entitled “Regional Conflict, Regional Peace: A Jordanian Perspective” he delivered at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, Prince Feisal reviewed the Kingdom’s pioneering role in bringing peace to the region, and His Majesty King Abdullah’s efforts to push the Arab Peace Initiative forward.

Stressing Jordan’s commitment to achieving a future of peace, moderation and prosperity, the Prince said King Abdullah has been working effectively with Arab, Islamic and international parties to address present crises and help resume peace negotiations.

Addressing key Swedish political and intellectual figures, Prince Feisal said depriving Palestinians of their rights and sovereignty had led to many global problems.

He noted that extremists and some regional powers in the Middle East have exploited the current oppression exercised on the Palestinians to rally support for their agendas.

The Prince added that the conflict diverted resources away from development and reform programmes, depriving youth of opportunities for a better future.

He said the International Peace Conference to be held in November aims to reach a final settlement to the conflict, adding that achieving tangible results in the peace process would increase support for the meeting.

Prince Feisal said it was important for the conference to ensure the Palestinians’ independence, Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and the end of the occupation.

Stressing the need to revive the Palestinian economy, Prince Feisal said it is also important to support the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

He also expressed hope that the EU would play a major role in helping the region move forward by supporting the peace process.

Also on Wednesday, Prince Feisal met separately with Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden and Swedish Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Swedish Army Mikael Odenberg.