Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel announced Sunday evening that his country has decided to officially recognize the State of Palestine, joining a growing list of countries that have done so.
Portugal is the fourth country to confirm its recognition Palestine today, after Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
The Palestinian MFA has already praised Portugal on the decision, calling it a “courageous step consistent with international law and United Nations resolutions, and one that bolsters ongoing efforts to achieve peace and advance the two-state solution”.
The UK, Canada and Australia had earlier formally recognized the State of Palestine. The move comes as more than 140 world leaders are preparing to attend the annual United Nations General Assembly summit in New York next week, which will be dominated by questions regarding the region.
Canada was the first of these countries to officially recognize Palestine on Sunday, with Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing that Ottawa “recognizes the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the state of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
The move was shortly followed by similar announcements from Australia and the UK.
