Abbas Welcomes France’s Recognition of Palestinian State, Thanks Saudi Arabia for Support

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its diplomatic efforts in supporting France’s landmark decision to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state. The move, announced by French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, has been hailed by Abbas as a “historic victory” for the Palestinian people.

In a letter to Abbas, President Macron said the recognition of Palestine was essential to achieving lasting peace in the region.

“This solution is the only path that can address the legitimate aspirations of both the Israelis and the Palestinians,” Macron wrote. “It must now be brought about as quickly as possible. The prospect of a negotiated solution to the conflict in the Middle East seems increasingly distant. I cannot resign myself to that.”

Macron confirmed that France would formally recognize Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September. If carried out, France would become the first major Western power to extend such recognition in recent years.

President Abbas praised the decision and called on other countries, especially those in Europe, to follow France’s lead in backing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “We view this as a diplomatic milestone and a recognition of our people’s right to self-determination,” Abbas said.

He also thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its consistent and long-standing support of Palestinian statehood. Riyadh has repeatedly condemned Israeli policies in Gaza and the West Bank and has advocated for international efforts to revive peace talks based on a two-state framework.

“Saudi Arabia has played a vital role in supporting our cause on the international stage. We appreciate their commitment to justice and the legitimate rights of our people,” Abbas added.

More than 140 countries have already recognized Palestine as a state, though many Western powers have stopped short of doing so, citing the need for a negotiated peace agreement with Israel.

France’s move comes amid growing international frustration over the stagnation of peace talks and worsening humanitarian conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories. Macron’s announcement is seen as an attempt to revive diplomatic momentum and pressure both sides to re-engage in dialogue.

With the United Nations General Assembly scheduled for September, diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify in the coming weeks, as Palestine seeks broader international backing for its statehood bid.