Paris: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi has praised French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement of France's intention to officially recognize the State of Palestine in September.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Budaiwi described the decision as a substantial move reflecting France's commitment to international justice principles and its efforts to support regional and international causes. He highlighted France's role in promoting global security and stability through this recognition.
Al-Budaiwi urged other nations to emulate France's decision, emphasizing the importance of taking action to alleviate the challenges faced by the Palestinian people. He called for support towards achieving a just and lasting peace in the region.
Furthermore, the GCC chief reiterated the Council's firm support for the Palestinian cause. He underscored the necessity of ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian State based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
The Arab Peace Initiative, introduced by Saudi Arabia during an Arab summit in Lebanon in 2002, proposed recognizing Israel in return for the establishment of an independent Palestinian State.
The GCC, established in the early 1980s, includes Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman.