Macron and Starmer from London: Recognition of Palestine and Tougher Sanctions on Russia

In an important diplomatic move, French President Emmanuel Macron, from London, called for a joint recognition between France and the United Kingdom of the state of Palestine, considering this recognition as "the only way to achieve a genuine path to peace" between Israel and the Palestinians.

This came during a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who emphasized the need to unify political efforts to achieve a two-state solution, to ensure sustainable peace and security in the region.

In the Russian-Ukrainian file, Macron and Starmer stressed the need to intensify pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and impose new sanctions on Moscow to achieve a ceasefire. Starmer said: "We need to refocus our efforts on preparing for peace and forcing Putin to come to the negotiating table," while Macron added: "We need a new move to tighten pressure on Russia."

In the context of international cooperation, the two leaders chaired a virtual meeting from the NATO headquarters in London, attended by a number of European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where they announced readiness to deploy a peacekeeping force in Ukraine immediately upon signing a ceasefire agreement, confirming that these plans are based on long-term foundations.

Regarding the immigration file, Starmer announced a new agreement to exchange migrants between Britain and France, to be implemented in the coming weeks.

The British Prime Minister explained that this agreement allows for the return of migrants attempting to enter Britain illegally via small boats to France, while enabling others to come legally and orderly.

These moves come amidst ongoing global tensions, where Ukrainian President Zelensky affirmed that Russia is obstructing all peace efforts, calling for tougher sanctions on Moscow.

European countries and the United States continue their efforts to support peace and stability in the region.