Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron announced Wednesday his country may recognize an independent state of Palestine next June. In televised statements, Macron added the recognition would be during a conference on Palestine to be held in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.

According to Qatar News Agency, Macron emphasized that the potential recognition of Palestine aims to enable progress toward shared security in the region. The conference in New York is expected to be a significant diplomatic event, highlighting France’s active role in Middle Eastern affairs.