Norway and Palestine have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation and fostering deeper dialogue, according to a statement issued by the Norwegian Foreign Ministry.

On Tuesday, the ministry stated, "Norway and Palestine signed a memorandum of understanding in New York. The agreement was reached following Norway's recognition of Palestine as a state in May 2024 and marks another milestone in the long-standing relations between the two countries."

According to the statement, "The memorandum of understanding contributes to stronger cooperation and closer dialogue between Norway and Palestine, both bilaterally and internationally."

FM @EspenBarthEide at the UN conference on the Two-State solution:
The situation in #Gaza is dystopic. It is frankly a disgrace to humanity.
But ending the war in Gaza is not enough. We must end the conflict and speed up the path to a #2StateSolution.
➡️https://t.co/p0HVE6xkCe pic.twitter.com/LHWNvApqbC

— NorwayUN (@NorwayUN) July 29, 2025

The agreement lays the groundwork for an annual meeting between Norwegian and Palestinian representatives to discuss ongoing cooperation and explore new joint initiatives. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry emphasized that these discussions would cover both bilateral relations and international efforts.

Recognizing Palestine means affirming a people's right to freedom, equality, and statehood.

Norway recognised Palestine in May 2024.

Now we must secure the foundations: institutions, economy, and democracy. A viable Palestinian state is essential.

-@EspenBarthEide pic.twitter.com/cFtN7odtDH

— Norway MFA (@NorwayMFA) July 28, 2025

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"This agreement is a clear expression of Norway's support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent and democratic Palestinian state," Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated.

Annual bilateral meetings and joint initiatives

As part of the agreement, both parties have committed to meeting yearly to assess progress and propose new areas of collaboration. The move signifies a structured and enduring commitment to strengthening political and diplomatic ties between Norway and Palestine.

On Tuesday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office announced that London would recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, should "Israel" fail to agree to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and take steps to end the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The UK’s plan to recognise Palestine is a vital step toward freedom, security, and independence for Palestinians.

I urge more countries to follow suit, so that a free and independent Palestine - and thus the two-state solution - can become a reality. pic.twitter.com/eVWoro5a4I

— Espen Barth Eide (@EspenBarthEide) July 29, 2025

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed similar sentiments, stating on July 25 that France would officially recognize the State of Palestine during the September UN General Assembly.

147 countries currently recognize Palestine. However, the United States remains among the nations that do not grant full recognition. In 2024, the US vetoed Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations. That same year, 10 countries, including Ireland, Norway, Spain, and Armenia, extended formal recognition to the State of Palestine.

On the other hand, Germany followed the US' footsteps by making it clear that it does not plan to recognize a Palestinian state in the near future, prioritizing instead advancing what it sees as "long-overdue progress" toward a "two-state solution", according to a government spokesperson on Friday.

"Israel's security is of paramount importance to the German government," the spokesperson emphasized, adding, "The German government therefore has no plans to recognise a Palestinian state in the short term."