Jordan and France Emphasized the Need for an Independent Palestinian State

On Thursday, October 14, 2023, Jordan and France issued a joint statement in Paris, emphasizing the need for practical and specific action towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. This statement was released at the conclusion of talks between Abdullah II, King of Jordan, and Emmanuel Macron, President of France, during the official visit of the Jordanian king to France.

The Necessity of Practical Steps for Palestine

The two leaders stressed the importance of taking practical steps according to a clear timeline to achieve an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, with borders based on June 4, 1967, and with East Jerusalem as its capital. In this statement, the two-state solution was introduced as the only way to achieve a just and sustainable peace. Additionally, both parties called for the full implementation of the New York Declaration issued on July 29, 2025, which emphasized the need for tangible and scheduled steps.

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Opposition to West Bank Annexation and Support for Palestinian Rights

Jordan and France also expressed their opposition to any attempts to annex the West Bank and Israel's plans to displace the Palestinian people. In this context, the E1 settlement plan, which leads to the separation of parts of the West Bank, was condemned. Both parties emphasized the preservation of the historical and legal status quo at Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, and Macron referred to the historical Hashemite custodianship over these sites.

Regarding the Gaza Strip, Abdullah II and Macron called for the implementation of Donald Trump's plan to establish stability in the region and support for civilians and the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid. Furthermore, concerning regional tensions, both parties expressed their concerns about the continuation of tensions and emphasized the necessity of coordinating efforts to end this situation.

Defense Agreements and Economic Cooperation

At the bilateral level, Abdullah II and Macron described the signing of a defense cooperation agreement between the two countries as an important step in strengthening the partnership between Jordan and France. This agreement provides a comprehensive framework for organizing various aspects of defense and security cooperation and emphasizes support for Jordan's defense capabilities.

In the economic field, both parties reiterated their willingness to expand cooperation on the National Water Carrier project in Jordan. This project is being finalized as a solution to address the water scarcity crisis in Jordan and is expected to have positive impacts on the country's water security by 2040.

Finally, the two leaders emphasized the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and supporting the unity and sovereignty of Syria, calling for an end to Israeli attacks on Syria. They also stressed the necessity of implementing the roadmap to end the Suwayda crisis.

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