NEW YORK: Portugal has formally recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, the latest Western country to make the recognition, which was previously made by the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Addressing the media in New York, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel asserted the move is in line with a “core and consistent principle” of Portugal’s foreign policy.
Portuguese FM Paulo Rangel further stated that acceptance of a Palestinian state is in line with the country’s support for the two-state solution as the sole desirable route to enduring peace in the region.
“The two-state solution is the only sustainable and permanent solution to the conflict,” Rangel added.
Although recognizing formally that Palestine is a state would not solve the immediate humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza, he emphasized the necessity of the urgency of a ceasefire and reaffirmed Portugal’s appeal for peace.
The step comes in the wake of a series of recognitions by other Western countries:
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer formally announced through a video message made on social media that the UK recognized Palestine as a state.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also made Canada’s announcement on social media, stating,
“Canada recognizes the State of Palestine and offers its commitment to building a peaceful future for all.”
The Australian government even made the announcement to recognize Palestine, referring to it as part of the global push for the two-state solution. Australia went on to indicate that it would move to establish full diplomatic relations and embassies once the Palestinian Authority is in line with key assurances.
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The en masse moves constitute an important turn in global diplomacy, putting pressure on other Western countries to follow suit towards endorsing Palestinian statehood.
