Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden looks on during an interview with AFP in Luxembourg. AFP
The following is the complete speech of Prime Minister Luc Frieden:
Mr. President, Your Royal Highness, ladies and gentlemen,
There are moments in history when the cause of peace demands both moral clarity and political courage.
Eighty years ago was such a moment. The founding of the United Nations was an act of courage, guided by a clear vision of a world based on universal values and principles of peace, freedom, and justice.
Today again is such a moment in history. Luxembourg stands here today as a partner — a partner to all those who believe that diplomacy still matters, that it can make a difference. We want to remain true to that promise made eighty years ago. Luxembourg stands here today as a partner for peace.
We remain convinced that a two-state solution remains the only viable way forward for a lasting peace. Our goal is a safe and secure State of Israel living side by side with a safe and secure State of Palestine.
Rarely has the prospect of a two-state solution felt more distant than today, and yet never has the international will to achieve it been more unified. When doubts grow, we must face them with the certainty of hope.
That is why I solemnly declare that as of today, Luxembourg formally recognizes the State of Palestine.
Recognition is not the end of a process. It is the beginning of a renewed commitment to hope — a commitment to diplomacy, to dialogue, to coexistence, and to a two-state solution. To the idea, fragile but still possible, that peace can prevail.
We take this step fully aware of its great symbolic weight. It is our contribution to a political process, one that we hope will revive the prospect of a negotiated two-state solution grounded in the legitimate aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis.
It is fully aligned with the principles that have guided Luxembourg's foreign policy since 1945: respect for international law, the promotion of a rules-based order, and the values enshrined in the UN Charter.
And let me be clear: this is not a decision against Israel or its people — a people with which my country shares strong historic ties and whose right to live in peace and security we have been fully upholding since 1948. Luxembourg has been and will remain a friend of the people of Israel and of Jews around the world.
With the same clarity, let me say that this is not a decision to reward violence or to endorse any actor who undermines peace. Luxembourg condemns in the strongest possible terms the atrocities of October 7, and we call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
In line with the New York Declaration, we expect the Palestinian leadership to live up to the responsibilities of statehood.
The road ahead will not be easy. We do not claim that this recognition alone will change the course of the conflict. But we hope it will contribute to restoring momentum to the political horizon that has been lost.
Peace is not simply declared. Real peace — lasting peace — is built step by step, brick upon brick.
Let this recognition be a message to grieving families, to hopeful children, and to all those who have not yet given up.
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