Riyadh: Gulf Arab states on Friday welcomed President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France would recognize the state of Palestine, urging other countries to follow suit.

This move by France is significant as it marks the first recognition of Palestine by a member of the G7 group of major advanced economies since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023.

Other European Union members have previously recognized Palestine.

The Saudi foreign ministry expressed appreciation for this 'historic decision,' which reaffirms the international consensus on the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.

They called on other countries that have not yet recognized Palestine to take similar positive steps.

Macron announced France's intention to formally recognize a Palestinian state during a United Nations meeting in September.

Additionally, a ministerial-level meeting co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia aimed at discussing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is planned for later this month.

Qatar, a key mediator in indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas for ending the Gaza war, also welcomed the French move.

The Qatari foreign ministry highlighted that it constitutes significant support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and contributes to advancing prospects for achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

Similarly, the Kuwaiti foreign ministry commended this 'significant step.'

The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, both of which have ties with Israel, also praised France's decision.

The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates described the French announcement as a step in the right direction, emphasizing its importance in countering efforts to deny the Palestinian people their inalienable right to self-determination and sovereignty.