Paris: Malaysia and France on Friday reaffirmed their stand for a ceasefire in Gaza and for humanitarian aid to get through. The call was made by French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a press conference at the Elysee Palace here.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Macron stated that both he and Anwar agreed on the necessity of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of the release of hostages. The French President highlighted that a two-state solution remains the best approach to addressing the Palestine-Israel conflict. Macron mentioned ongoing efforts, including collaboration with Saudi Arabia, to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach Gaza.

During the press conference before their bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim commended President Macron for his dedication to resolving the Gaza conflict. Anwar expressed disapproval of the continued bombings and the atrocities affecting civilians, emphasizing the need for international intervention. He assured support for Macron’s initiatives and reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to a two-state solution.

Anwar further condemned Israeli aggression towards Iran and affirmed Malaysia’s support for France’s peace efforts in the Middle East. He discussed the importance of equitable treatment in nuclear non-proliferation, stressing that Iran should be encouraged to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and allow inspections, to which Iran has shown commitment.

Macron emphasized that Iran must clearly support the Non-Proliferation Treaty and revoke its law limiting cooperation with the IAEA. He called for an agreement that would end uranium enrichment in Iran while permitting the country to benefit from peaceful nuclear energy uses. Macron mentioned his dialogues with the Iranian President, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and former American President Donald Trump, and his intent to continue discussions with other Security Council members.

Additionally, Macron called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, condemning attacks on civilian populations and acknowledging the broader implications of the conflict, particularly with the involvement of North Korean soldiers in Europe.