Portugal has officially recognised the State of Palestine, becoming the latest Western nation to take this step after the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia did so on sunday.
The announcement was made by Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel, who said the move reflects his country’s long-standing belief in a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. According to him, this recognition is part of Portugal’s consistent foreign policy and represents the “only realistic path” towards lasting peace.
Earlier on Sunday, the UK became the first among Israel’s close allies to formally acknowledge Palestinian statehood. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain now stands with more than 150 countries that have already recognised Palestine.
Following the UK’s announcement, both Canada and Australia also declared their support. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney strongly criticised Israel’s settlement expansion in the West Bank, while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the recognition fulfils a long-standing aspiration of the Palestinian people.
With Portugal now adding its voice, momentum for wider recognition of Palestine appears to be growing among Western nations ahead of the UN General Assembly.