French Ministry Confirms Talks with Australia on Four Mideast Priorities

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it is engaged in discussions with Australia on its four key priorities for an upcoming Middle East peace summit, notably including the recognition of a Palestinian state. This diplomatic engagement highlights France’s efforts, led by President Emmanuel Macron, to rally international support for a two-state solution, emphasizing the moral and political necessity of Palestinian recognition.
The UN-backed summit, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia from June 17 to 20 in New York, is generating considerable buzz, with speculation that France might formally recognize Palestine during the event to reignite the peace process. While 147 of the 193 UN member states already recognize Palestine, Australia, the UK, and the US have not. However, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s recent statements suggest a potential shift in Australia’s long-held position, viewing early recognition as a means to build momentum.
The four French priorities for the summit are: recognition of a state of Palestine, normalization of relations with countries in the region, reform of the Palestinian Authority, and disarmament of Hamas. A French spokesperson clarified that President Macron hopes this recognition would integrate into a broader political dynamic, facilitating both the establishment of a Palestinian state and Israel’s enhanced regional and international integration, specifically noting Australia’s “strong affinities” for the issue.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent strong condemnation of Israel’s blockade of aid into Gaza as an “outrage” further underscores a potential policy recalibration, aligning with international humanitarian concerns. This contrasts sharply with the Australian opposition’s view, which insists that Palestinian statehood can only be recognized once Hamas releases all hostages and surrenders its terrorist capabilities, warning against “rewarding terrorism.”