Foreign Minister Meets with President Macron’s Diplomatic Adviser on Middle East Affairs

Foreign Minister Meets with President Macron's Diplomatic Adviser on Middle East Affairs

On the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Shahin met with Anne-Claire Legendre, Diplomatic Adviser for Middle East and North Africa Affairs to French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting addressed recent developments in Palestine, the implementation of the New York Declaration, and the future governance of Gaza.

Minister Shahin thanked France and Saudi Arabia for their efforts leading to the New York Declaration, stressing that it represents a ceasefire agreement, not a peace plan, but an initial step toward a comprehensive political solution based on international law and Palestinian unity. She emphasized the need for genuine international will to move from temporary calm to a lasting political process that guarantees Palestinian rights.

Minister Shahin also discussed internal reforms, describing them as a national priority aimed at strengthening state institutions and combating corruption. She noted that preparations for general elections are underway once the ceasefire stabilizes, calling on the international community to ensure the participation of Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem.

On education, she highlighted ongoing curriculum reforms aligned with UNESCO standards but underscored that true educational development cannot be achieved under occupation.
Legendre reaffirmed France's full support for Palestinian reform and institution-building efforts and said Paris, in coordination with Riyadh and Washington, is working on a clear roadmap to restore Palestinian Authority governance in Gaza.

Both sides agreed on the urgency of uniting international efforts to empower the Palestinian Authority, rebuild institutions in Gaza, and restore national unity as a step toward an independent Palestinian state.