Portugal joins UK, Canada, Australia in recognizing Palestine
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Portugal has formally recognized the State of Palestine, joining Canada, the UK, and Australia, as more nations consider supporting a two-state solution.
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People carry a banner with the words 'Free Palestine' during a demonstration demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and in support of Palestinians, in Lisbon, Sunday, April 7, 2024. (AP)
Portugal has officially recognized the State of Palestine, becoming the latest Western country to take this step after similar announcements by Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel announced the decision on Sunday, affirming Lisbon’s support for a two-state solution, which he described as “the only viable path toward achieving a just and lasting peace.”
The move came just hours after the governments of Britain, Canada, and Australia announced their formal recognition of the State of Palestine. Israeli media described the development as a “diplomatic tsunami,” coming on the eve of the UN General Assembly meetings, where several more countries are expected to take similar steps.
The announcement coincides with preparations for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and the resumption of a high-level international conference on resolving the Palestinian question and implementing a two-state solution, co-sponsored by Saudi Arabia and France.
Currently, nearly three-quarters of the UN’s 193 member states officially recognize the State of Palestine.
Australia, UK, Canada recognize Palestine
Australia has formally recognised the State of Palestine, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Sunday, aligning Canberra with Canada and the United Kingdom in a coordinated move to revive momentum for a "two-state solution."
In a joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Albanese said the decision was intended to support a political path that begins with “a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held there.” He emphasised that the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas “must have no role in Palestine.”
My statement formally recognising the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/LnmrX29TCV
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 21, 2025
The statement described recognition as “part of a coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution,” calling it the only route to "lasting peace and security" for Palestinians and Israeli settlers. It added that Australia’s step reflects a longstanding commitment to Palestinian self-determination.
Canada recognizes State of Palestine
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Sunday that Canada has formally recognized the State of Palestine, joining a coordinated international effort to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution.
Today, Canada recognises the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/zhumVJRBfe
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) September 21, 2025
"Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel... While Canada is under no illusions that this recognition is a panacea, this recognition is firmly aligned with the principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights reflected in the United Nations Charter," Carney said in a statement.
Britain formally recognizes Palestine
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also confirmed the United Kingdom's recognition of Palestine on Sunday, declaring, “Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine.”
Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/yrg6Lywc1s
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 21, 2025
According to Albanese, work is underway with partners in the Arab League, the United States, and others to develop a credible peace plan enabling Gaza’s reconstruction, strengthening Palestinian state institutions, and ensuring "security" for the Israeli occupation.
“The hope, and the right, of all humanity is lasting peace and security in the Middle East,” Albanese said, pledging Australia’s continued engagement with international partners to build on the recognition and pursue a durable settlement.
