Doha: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has expressed welcome and praise for the announcement made by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding his country’s intention to officially recognize the State of Palestine next September.

According to Qatar News Agency, Secretary General of the GCC, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stressed that this decision is an important step that reflects the French Republic’s firm commitment to the principles of justice and international legality, to supporting all regional and international issues, and its tireless endeavor to consolidate the foundations of global security and stability.

Moreover, Albudaiwi called on all countries that have not yet announced their recognition of the State of Palestine to take this historic and responsible step in order to contribute to alleviating the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people and strengthening the path towards achieving a just and lasting peace.

He also reiterated his emphasis on the firm and established position of the Cooperation Council in support of the Palestinian cause, and to reach a solution based on ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.