Paris, Riyadh to co-chair moot on Palestine

Macron says two countries have 'will' to progress fighter jet sale

RIYADH:

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday that he and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman would co-chair a conference on the establishment of a Palestinian state in June.

"We have decided to co-chair a conference for the two states in June next year," Macron said, referring to Israel and a potential Palestinian state.

"In the coming months, together we will multiply and combine our diplomatic initiatives to bring everyone along this path."

Responding to a question on whether France would recognise a Palestinian state, the French president said he would do so "at the right moment" and at a time "when it triggers reciprocal movements of recognition". "We want to involve several other partners and allies, both European and non-European, who are ready to move in this direction but who are waiting for France" he added.

Rafale fighter jets

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that France and Saudi Arabia have the "will to move forward" on a deal to sell Rafale fighter jets to the oil-rich Gulf monarchy.

"In terms of security and defence, we have very clearly improved things... with the will to move forward on the Rafale, which is a major change in the bilateral relationship," he told reporters on the second day of a state visit to Saudi Arabia. Discussions had already been underway for Riyadh to acquire the French-made jets and, though no definitive announcement was expected during the state visit, a source close to the matter indicated a willingness to "take a decision" in that direction.