Portugal formally recognizes the State of Palestine

Ahram Online , Monday 22 Sep 2025

The announcement came as several Western leaders recognized a Palestinian state on Monday at a historic two-state solution conference, which was convened by France and Saudi Arabia ahead of the opening of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa speaks during a United Nations Summit on Palestinians at UN headquarters during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. AFP

Below is the complete speech of Portugal’s President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa:

Madame President of the General Assembly, Mr. Secretary-General, President of the French Republic, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. President of the State of Palestine, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Portugal formally recognized the State of Palestine as a sovereign state with full rights.

This decision reflects our conviction that the two-state solution is the only viable path for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. By reaffirming it here, Portugal seeks to contribute to a broader international effort towards peace, justice, and stability.

If we do not act, the crisis will leave scars for generations, fueling extremism and further instability. So, humanitarian access must be ensured without delay. All hostages must be released. Terrorism, like the events of October 7, can never be justified. And civilians, regardless of nationality, religion, or ethnicity, must be protected at all times. Therefore, a ceasefire must be attained immediately.

Portugal’s commitment to peace in the Middle East has been constant and clear. We have always defended the two-state solution in line with United Nations resolutions under the 1967 borders. We supported Palestine’s observer status in 2012, voted to enlarge its rights in December 2024, and endorsed the New York Declaration earlier this year.

We welcome the unprecedented commitments made by the Palestinian Authority in the context of the New York Declaration. We recognize that both peoples continue to face security threats that must be addressed through dialogue, cooperation, and the pursuit of a just and lasting peace.

Portugal’s recognition of the State of Palestine is not an isolated gesture, but a continuation of a long-standing policy and a decisive contribution to safeguarding the two-state solution.

Excellencies, Portugal stands ready to work actively towards this collective endeavor. Our message is clear: Recognition of the State of Palestine is recognition of peace itself.

Now. Today. Tomorrow would have been too late.