Ramallah: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday welcomed the formal recognition of Palestine as an independent and sovereign state by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
According to Kuwait News Agency, President Abbas emphasized that the recognitions from Canada and Australia signify an essential step toward achieving a just and lasting peace in accordance with international legitimacy. He highlighted that key priorities include establishing a ceasefire, allowing humanitarian aid, releasing hostages and prisoners, ensuring Israel's complete withdrawal from Gaza, empowering the State of Palestine to fulfill its responsibilities, pursuing recovery and reconstruction, and halting settlement activity and settler violence.
President Abbas asserted that recognizing the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, freedom, and independence is crucial for implementing the two-state solution.
In addition, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed approval of the recognitions, labeling the decision as "courageous and consistent with international law and UN resolutions." The Ministry noted that this recognition demonstrates the commitment of the three countries to ending the occupation and fostering regional peace and stability. It further stated that these actions bolster international efforts led by Saudi Arabia and France to secure an immediate ceasefire and political resolution in alignment with international law. The Ministry also urged other countries, particularly the United States, to recognize the State of Palestine.
The announcements precede a Saudi-French-led conference scheduled for Monday, taking place on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session, where further recognitions are anticipated, especially from France.