Exclusive Macron says Saudi-French partnership secured 142 votes backing two-state solution

French President Emmanuel Macron said in an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya that Riyadh and Paris succeeded in rallying around 142 votes in support of the two-state solution. He attributed the success in securing historic recognitions of Palestinian statehood to the depth of ties with Saudi Arabia, which paved the way for the New York Declaration announced following the high-level international conference on resolving the Palestinian issue.

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Macron stressed that the “New York Declaration” was coordinated with Saudi Arabia to end the war in Gaza, describing it as a comprehensive and actionable framework to implement the two-state solution and achieve peace and security for all. The document outlines a joint commitment to ending the Gaza war and reaching a just, peaceful, and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the effective application of the two-state solution, building a better future for Palestinians, Israelis, and the entire region.

The French president also highlighted that relations between Paris and Riyadh are built on friendship and trust, rooted in shared priorities such as human development, culture, economics, technology, as well as security and defense. He underlined their mutual commitment to regional and international stability.

Macron’s remarks came in parallel with his speech at the UN General Assembly, where he announced France’s recognition of the State of Palestine, joining a growing number of countries that have taken the step. He emphasized that recognition of Palestine was a defeat for Hamas, saying the group had been militarily weakened through the neutralization of its leadership.

Saudi Arabia welcomed France’s move, along with other recognitions, and called on additional states to follow suit. Riyadh reiterated its determination to continue its partnership with Paris and all peace-supporting nations to implement the outcomes of the two-state solution alliance conference, end the war in Gaza, halt unilateral measures that threaten Palestinian sovereignty, and establish an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In a joint statement, Saudi Arabia and France urged the international community to move from words to action, commending the efforts of the 17 working group leaders who are charting a roadmap for swift implementation of the two-state solution.

The statement stressed that ending the war in Gaza and ensuring the release of all hostages remain top priorities. It also called for a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, unhindered humanitarian access across Gaza, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.

Meanwhile, the international coalition tasked with implementing the two-state solution is holding a ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York to discuss the details of the New York Declaration and the latest developments following the wave of recognitions of Palestine, Al Arabiya’s correspondent Abdulmohsen al-Harbi reported.

Saudi Arabia said the growing international recognition of Palestine underscores the global consensus on the Palestinian people’s inherent right to self-determination, the establishment of their state, and the pursuit of security, peace, and prosperity.

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