PARIS: France plans to recognize a Palestinian state within months and could make the move at a UN conference in New York in June on settling the Israel-Palestinian conflict, President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday.
“We must move toward recognition, and we will do so in the coming months,” Macron, who this week visited Egypt, told France 5 television.
“Our aim is to chair this conference with Saudi Arabia in June, where we could finalize this movement of mutual recognition (of a Palestinian state) by several parties,” he added.
“I will do it (...) because I believe that at some point it will be right and because I also want to participate in a collective dynamic, which must also allow all those who defend Palestine to recognize Israel in turn, which many of them do not do,” he added.
Such recognition would allow France “to be clear in our fight against those who deny Israel’s right to exist — which is the case with Iran — and to commit ourselves to collective security in the region,” he added.
France has long championed a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, including after the October 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian militants Hamas on Israel.
But formal recognition by Paris of a Palestinian state would mark a major policy switch and risk antagonizing Israel which insists such moves by foreign states are premature.
In Egypt, Macron held summit talks with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
France could recognize Palestinian state ‘in June’: Macron
https://arab.news/2rnuy
France could recognize Palestinian state ‘in June’: Macron
- “We must move toward recognition, and we will do so in the coming months,” Macron said
- Formal recognition by Paris of a Palestinian state would mark a major policy switch and risk antagonizing Israel
Japan, Qatar reaffirm commitment to ongoing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors The ministers acknowledged increasing collaboration in energy, economy, defense and international initiatives Minister MOTEGI further expressed appreciation for Qat
- The ministers acknowledged increasing collaboration in energy, economy, defense and international initiatives
- Minister MOTEGI further expressed appreciation for Qatar’s sustained investments in Japan
TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors during the Third Japan-Qatar Strategic Dialogue in Doha on Tuesday.
According to the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, the ministers acknowledged increasing collaboration in energy, the economy, defense, international initiatives, and cultural and academic exchanges.
Additionally, they expressed mutual support for their national teams’ participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
During their 100-minute meeting, the ministers underscored the importance of liquefied natural gas in strengthening bilateral relations.
Minister MOTEGI conveyed appreciation for Qatar’s consistent energy supply, while Minister Mohammed reiterated Qatar’s commitment to ensuring stable energy provision to Japan.
Minister MOTEGI further expressed appreciation for Qatar’s sustained investments in Japan.
The ministers highlighted ongoing progress in defense cooperation, referencing the initiation of defense consultations in 2023, the first visit by a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel to Qatar in 12 years, and the inaugural visit by the Chief of the Joint Staff. They committed to further strengthening these exchanges.
The ministers agreed to broaden development assistance and humanitarian support by leveraging the respective strengths of both nations.
Qatar was the first country to confirm participation in the forthcoming GREEN×EXPO 2027 in Yokohama, for which Minister MOTEGI expressed gratitude. He also welcomed ongoing academic exchanges between universities and institutions.
During discussions regarding Gaza, Minister MOTEGI commended Qatar for its role in facilitating the ceasefire and the release of hostages. He stated that, following his recent visit to Israel and Palestine, Japan intends to actively contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East, including the reconstruction of Gaza.
Minister Mohammed welcomed Japan’s initiatives for regional stability and expressed a desire for continued bilateral cooperation.
The ministers also addressed the situation concerning Iran and their respective policies on North Korea, including nuclear and missile issues, abductions, and recent developments in East Asia. They agreed to maintain close cooperation on these matters, according to the Ministry, which did not provide further details.
