Saudi Arabia, France back Palestinian state, call for Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon

Saudi Arabia and France reaffirmed support for Palestinian statehood and called for Israel to withdraw from all Lebanese territory, according to a joint statement issued Monday at the end of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s state visit to France.

The statement followed talks between bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, where they also chaired the first meeting of the Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council.

The two leaders stressed a shared approach to regional stability based on state sovereignty, international law and political and diplomatic solutions to conflicts.

On Palestine, Riyadh and Paris firmly rejected attempts to undermine the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state on the 1967 borders and called for an end to Israel’s settlement policy and violence by Israeli occupiers, saying they threaten the two-state solution.

They also stressed the need to create conditions for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and ensure the urgent, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

Read: Israeli occupier attacks in West Bank surge 63%: Palestinian agency

The two sides welcomed the announcement of an agreement on the disarmament of Hamas and called for its implementation while reaffirming their commitment to the New York Declaration and backing Palestinian Authority reforms and plans for presidential and legislative elections.

On Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and France agreed to intensify efforts toward a final settlement, strengthen state institutions and preserve the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They also called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the complete disarmament of all armed groups outside state control and Israel’s withdrawal from all Lebanese territory.

The two countries also reaffirmed support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and security agencies.

On Iran, Riyadh and Paris stressed the need for a negotiated solution to prevent further escalation and reiterated support for diplomacy to ensure the peaceful nature of Tehran’s nuclear program.

They also called on Iran to resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The statement also condemned attacks on vessels and threats to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and called for shipping to return to conditions that existed before the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28, including freedom of navigation and passage without direct or indirect fees or restrictions.

On Syria, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to the country’s unity, stability and economic recovery, stressing the importance of strong institutions and greater investment.

They welcomed the establishment of a joint Saudi-Syrian-French Business Council and highlighted Syria’s potential to serve as a bridge linking Europe, the Gulf and Asia.

On Yemen, Riyadh and Paris reiterated support for the Presidential Leadership Council and UN efforts toward a comprehensive settlement.

They condemned Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure and vital facilities in Saudi Arabia as well as attacks on commercial shipping while reaffirming their commitment to freedom of navigation.

Read more: US could carry out further strikes on Iran if needed: Hegseth

France also expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and rejected attacks on its territory.

On Sudan, the two sides called for intensified efforts to end the crisis and halt foreign interference while preserving the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and institutions.

Saudi Arabia and France also agreed to deepen defence cooperation, including in armaments and training.

During the visit, the two countries signed agreements and memorandums of understanding covering defence, health, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and entertainment.

The joint statement said bilateral trade reached about $11.8 billion in 2025, while 21 agreements and memorandums of understanding were announced during a Saudi-French investment roundtable.

The August 23-24 visit came as Saudi Arabia and France marked 100 years since the establishment of political relations.