Portugal to recognise Palestine as an independent state

Portugal has announced its decision to recognise Palestine as an independent state. In a statement on Friday (September 19), the country’s foreign ministry said it would formally grant recognition on Sunday (September 21).

The ministry further said the announcement would be made ahead of next week’s high-level United Nations conference.

During his visit to the United Kingdom earlier this week, Portuguese foreign minister Paulo Rangel had hinted that his country was considering the move.

Earlier in May last year, Spain’s leftist government, alongside Ireland and Norway, recognised the State of Palestine. At that time, Spain had urged other European Union (EU) countries to follow suit, though Portugal had adopted a cautious stance.

Currently, among the EU’s 27 member states, a number of former communist nations, as well as Sweden and Cyprus, recognise Palestine as an independent state.

According to media reports, several countries—including France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Belgium, and Luxembourg—are planning to extend recognition during the upcoming UN General Assembly session.