LONDON: French President Emmanuel Macron has urged his country and the UK to jointly recognize Palestinian statehood, describing it as 'the only path to peace.' Speaking during a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, Macron stressed the urgent need for efforts to advance a two-state solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

The French President emphasized the future of the two-state solution and the necessity to unite voices in Paris, London, and beyond to recognize the State of Palestine, believing that this would launch a political dynamic leading to peace.

Starmer reaffirmed the UK's commitment to a just political settlement of the Palestinian issue, highlighting international support for the Palestinian people and the need for regional stability.

The French President concluded his three-day state visit to the UK on Thursday, marking the first such visit by an EU leader since Brexit in 2020.

Macron's comments during his speech to the British Parliament were welcomed by the Palestinian Authority, who view recognition of a Palestinian state as essential for Middle Eastern stability.

An international conference planned for mid-June to support Palestinian national independence, sponsored by Saudi Arabia and France, was postponed due to the outbreak of war between Iran and Israel on June 13.

Recent weeks have seen several Labour Party members of Parliament call on their government to officially recognize a Palestinian state alongside France.