(VOVWORLD) - A series of diplomatic moves has unfolded around the Middle East peace process on the eve of a high-level conference on the two-state solution, set to take place on Monday in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
 Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City on September 10, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) |
In a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said the upcoming conference will be a critical step toward recognizing Palestinian statehood. He urged the international community to support a two-state solution based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry the same day welcomed Portugal’s announcement of its intention to recognize Palestine, calling it a “historic step” that reflects growing international consensus.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call on Saturday with French President Emmanuel Macron, during which they discussed preparations for the resumption of a summit-level peace conference, as part of the efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and achieve lasting peace leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
At the same time, several Western countries are preparing formal moves to recognize a Palestinian state. British media reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce the UK’s decision on Sunday.
In Ottawa, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that Canada will pursue the recognition of Palestine next week, describing it as an important step toward advancing the two-state solution.