Today: 10 October 2025
20 September 2025
2 mins read

Portugal to Recognise Palestine

Portugal to officially recognise Palestine ahead of UNGA conference…reports Asian Lite News

Portugal has announced that it will formally recognise the State of Palestine on Sunday, just ahead of a major high-level conference on Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, according to Al Jazeera.

According to Al Jazeera, citing a statement released on Friday, the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the move, stating, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that Portugal will recognise the State of Palestine.”

The formal declaration is scheduled for September 21, a day before the international conference.

The decision follows consultations by Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro with both the president and parliament.

According to Al Jazeera, citing a Portuguese newspaper, the decision concludes nearly 15 years of political debate since the proposal was first introduced in 2011 by the country’s Left Bloc party.

Portugal now joins a growing list of countries, including Australia, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, that have recently announced their intention to recognise Palestine as a sovereign state.

The move also follows a recent UN inquiry that concluded Israel’s military campaign in Gaza could amount to genocide, with more than 65,000 Palestinians reportedly killed and over 165,000 injured since October 2023.

Portugal had previously signalled its intentions in July, citing the deteriorating humanitarian situation, escalating violence, and Israel’s continued threats to annex Palestinian territories as key factors influencing its stance, Al Jazeera reported.

Earlier on Friday, an adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that several other nations, including Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, San Marino, and Australia, also plan to recognise Palestine during Monday’s UNGA meeting, which France is co-hosting with Saudi Arabia. Canada and the UK have made similar pledges, as reported by Al Jazeera.

As of April 2025, approximately 147 countries, about 75 per cent of UN member states, had already recognised the State of Palestine.

Portugal was also among 145 nations that voted in favour of allowing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to deliver a video address to the UNGA next week, after the US denied him a visa. India was among the 145 nations in favour.

The vote was opposed by only five countries: the US, Israel, Paraguay, Palau, and Nauru. Six countries abstained. (ANI)

Previous Story

Uncertainty Over Pakistan-Saudi Nuclear Deal

Next Story

India-UAE trade rockets 34%

Latest from -Top News

India, UAE Strengthen Green Partnership

At the IUCN 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh urged stronger India‑UAE climate and biodiversity cooperation….reports Asian Lite News The government said India and the UAE have significant potential to

Trump eyes Egypt trip

Trump eyes Egypt trip for Gaza ceasefire signing as deal paves way for hostage release…reports Asian Lite News President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he intends to travel to Egypt for

200 US troops to monitor Gaza ceasefire deal

The US coordination center will be staffed by service members who have expertise in transportation, planning, security, logistics and engineering…reports Asian Lite News The United States is sending about 200 troops to

Federal bodies align for inclusive growth

The UAE Gender Balance Council reviews strategic initiatives across federal entities, strengthening policies, advancing inclusion, and reinforcing the nation’s leadership in equality, diversity, and sustainable development….reports Asian Lite News The UAE Gender

SIBF to host 2,350 exhibitors Nov 5-16

The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair unites publishers, authors, and intellectuals from 118 countries, celebrating literature, workshops, cultural exchange, and Greece as Guest of Honour….reports Asian Lite News The 44th Sharjah International
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Israeli PM talks with UN Chief on Israeli-Palestinian tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett held a phone conversation with

Palestine sends 100 samples to Israel to test for Omicron

Palestine has sent 100 Covid-19 samples to an Israeli hospital