French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday that he and Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, would co-chair a conference on the establishment of a Palestinian state in June.
"We have decided to co-chair a conference for the two states in June next year," Macron said, referring to Israel and a potential Palestinian state.
"In the coming months, together we will multiply and combine our diplomatic initiatives to bring everyone along this path," he added.
Responding to a question on whether France would recognize a Palestinian state, the French president said he would do so "at the right moment" and at a time "when it triggers reciprocal movements of recognition".
"We want to involve several other partners and allies, both European and non-European, who are ready to move in this direction but who are waiting for France" he added.
Macron explained there was a simultaneous aim to "trigger a movement of recognition in favour of Israel," which he said could "provide answers in terms of security for Israel and convince people that the two-state solution is a solution that is relevant for Israel".
Saudi Arabia had appeared close to a deal to normalize relations with Israel prior to Hamas's October 7, 2023, which has sparked nearly 14 months of war in Gaza.
But Riyadh has indicated it is unwilling to move ahead while Israel pursues its campaign in Gaza, hardening its position in recent months and saying it would not recognize Israel without an independent Palestinian state.
Fighter jet sale
French President Emmanuel Macron said that France and Saudi Arabia have the "will to move forward" on a deal to sell Rafale fighter jets to the oil-rich Gulf monarchy.
"In terms of security and defence, we have very clearly improved things... with the will to move forward on the Rafale, which is a major change in the bilateral relationship," he told reporters on the second day of a state visit to Saudi Arabia.
Discussions had already been underway for Riyadh to acquire the French-made jets and, though no definitive announcement was expected during the state visit, a source close to the matter indicated a willingness to "take a decision" in that direction.
Nearly 10 countries already have Rafales or have signed commercial agreements to acquire them including Egypt, Qatar, India, Greece, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Croatia and Serbia.
Macron also said that the two countries had "made progress on everything from naval defence to air defence and satellites", adding that Saudi Arabia and France "have signed some long-awaited contracts", without giving any further details.
Riyadh buys military equipment from multiple Western nations, where it has faced criticism for its human rights record and military intervention in Yemen.
With AFP
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