Portugal officially recognizes State of Palestine

TEHRAN (Iran News)  Portugal has officially recognized the state of Palestine, amid growing global public support for Palestinians facing the Israeli regime’s genocidal war on Gaza.

Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel announced his country’s formal recognition of Palestine at Portugal’s Permanent Mission in New York on Sunday, the country’s broadcaster RTP reported.

“The recognition of the state of Palestine is the realization of a fundamental, constant, and fundamental line of Portuguese foreign policy,” Rangel told reporters.

Today’s declaration of recognition is a direct result of the Council of Ministers’ decision on September 18, taken at the culmination of a consultation process in which the president of the republic and a vast majority of the parties with seats in parliament agreed, he added.

He also said that Portugal “advocates the two-state solution as the only path to a just and lasting peace…a ceasefire is urgent.”

The announcement came hours after Britain, Australia, and Canada also officially recognized the Palestinian state ahead of the UN General Assembly.

Several other countries, including France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Andorra, and Malta, are also expected to announce their recognition of Palestine in the coming days.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin expressed gratitude to countries that have already recognized or are preparing to recognize the State of Palestine

The move will send “a very clear message to the Israelis on their illusions of continuing their occupation forever,” she said.

Today’s declaration of recognition is a direct result of the Council of Ministers’ decision on September 18, taken at the culmination of a consultation process in which the president of the republic and a vast majority of the parties with seats in parliament agreed, he added.

He also said that Portugal “advocates the two-state solution as the only path to a just and lasting peace…a ceasefire is urgent.”

The announcement came hours after Britain, Australia, and Canada also officially recognized the Palestinian state ahead of the UN General Assembly.

Several other countries, including France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Andorra, and Malta, are also expected to announce their recognition of Palestine in the coming days.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin expressed gratitude to countries that have already recognized or are preparing to recognize the State of Palestine