ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has welcomed recent announcements by France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries recognizing the State of Palestine.

In a post on X, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar termed the development a victory for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and urged other nations to recognize Palestine in line with international law. He stressed that the two-state solution is a vital step toward achieving just, comprehensive, and lasting peace.

According to a Foreign Office statement, Dar represented Pakistan at a high-level meeting on Palestine hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, where the recognition of Palestine by more countries further enhanced the significance of the gathering.

At the conclusion of the conference, Pakistan expressed full support for the New York Declaration on resolving the Palestine issue, the Foreign Office said.

It added that Pakistan’s backing of the declaration reflects its commitment to just and lasting peace. The statement recalled that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Palestine in 1988 and continues to support its full membership in the United Nations.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the two-state solution conference is a historic opportunity for peace, welcoming France’s move to recognize the State of Palestine.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged the international community to support an independent Palestine, praising countries that have recognized the state. He also lauded the roles of Saudi Arabia and France in mobilizing global recognition for Palestine.