Speech by Prime Minister Luc Frieden at the High-level Event on the Two-State Solution

Monsieur le Président,

Your Royal Highness,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

There are moments in history when the cause of peace demands both moral clarity and political courage.

80 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 80 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. With the conviction that what lies ahead can be better than what lies behind. Hope is not naivety; it is a motivation – a driving force to build a better future.

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 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 follows careful reflection, close consultation with our international partners, and a profound conviction that recognition is both a moral imperative and political necessity.

It is fully aligned with the principles that have guided my country’s foreign policy since 1945: respect for international law, the promotion of a rules-based order, and the values enshrined in the UN Charter.

We are fully aware that recognition alone will not resolve decades of conflict. It will not bring back lives lost or erase the pain endured by generations.

The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the threat of unilateral annexation in the West Bank are unacceptable. While violence and extremism are rising, hope is fading.
But it is a step – a meaningful step – towards restoring hope and balance in a process that has, for too long, drifted away from the path of peace. And it is in the interest of both sides, of the international community and of future generations.
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 Jews around the world.

And with the same clarity, let me say that this is not a decision to reward violence or 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.

Our message to Hamas and its Allies remains clear: There is no place for violence, hatred and terror.

On the contrary, this recognition is an acknowledgment of the Palestinian people – not as a problem to be solved, but as a people with rights, with a future, and with a voice.

In line with the New York Declaration, we expect the Palestinian leadership to live up to those responsibilities of statehood.

Luxembourg will continue to support these efforts and will remain actively engaged – diplomatically, politically, and through development support – to help lay the foundations of a viable, democratic Palestinian state that is not seeking to undermine Israel’s security nor its right to exist.

In that effort, we harbour no illusions. The road ahead will not be easy.

But let us remember: peace is not born of perfect conditions. It is a choice made in imperfect circumstances, by those willing to take risks – the risk of believing in something better.

By recognizing Palestine today, my country joins over 150 nations who have already done so.

We do not claim this step 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.

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg believes in peace. Not as a distant ideal, but as a shared responsibility.

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, to all those who have not yet given up.