The Portuguese government officially recognized the State of Palestine on Sunday, joining the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, which announced their decision earlier in the day. Portugal becomes the 13th European Union country to recognize the Palestinian state.
“Today, September 21, 2025, the Portuguese State officially recognizes the State of Palestine,” stated Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel in New York, USA.
Rangel noted that the decision followed a consensus involving the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and a broad majority of parliamentary parties.
The Portuguese foreign minister highlighted that discussions preceding the decision included the two-state solution as a future approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with unanimous agreement among parties represented in the Assembly of the Republic.
“The recognition of the State of Palestine represents the realization of a fundamental, consistent, and consensual aspect of Portuguese foreign policy,” he said, emphasizing Portugal’s advocacy for a two-state solution as the only path to a just and lasting peace promoting coexistence between Israel and Palestine.
Rangel affirmed Israel’s right to “security needs” and condemned attacks by Hamas and actions by groups that “deny Israel’s right to exist,” demanding the immediate release of all hostages and their remains.
Regarding the declaration of recognition, Rangel explained that it came after the government confirmed the conditions previously set for advancing in this domain: “On one hand, Portugal would only proceed in conjunction with a group of Western states sharing similar positions. On the other, it would only advance if there was a useful, tangible, and consequential effect of the declaration in question. Therefore, Portugal actively participated in the preparation and session from July 28 to 30 at the high-level conference held here, at the United Nations.”
The “useful effect” and condemnations
Rangel also mentioned that President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will represent Portugal in Monday’s session in New York.
“The useful effect and the consequential nature of the recognition declaration are clearly evident in the three pillars on which the high-level conference declaration is founded,” he stated, referring to the first pillar concerning guarantees offered by the Palestinian Authority, including condemnation of terrorism, election preparation, recognition of Israel, among others.
“The second pillar rests on the group of Arab states not yet recognizing Israel and willing to do so to normalize diplomatic relations,” he added, noting the UN’s condemnation of Hamas.
Regarding the third pillar, Rangel mentioned the readiness of Western states that have not yet recognized Palestine to do so. “The highly concerning developments in the conflict, notably through repeated references to the intention of annexing Palestinian territories, can impede or significantly hinder the realization of the Two-State solution. This is yet another useful and concrete effect of this recognition declaration,” he detailed.
However, the Portuguese foreign minister emphasized that this recognition “does not erase the catastrophe” occurring in Gaza and thus condemned the restrictions on humanitarian aid, the hunger situation generated, and the forced displacement of populations in the Gaza Strip, among others.
“It also condemns the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, which is also a hindrance to the Two-State solution. A ceasefire is essential and urgent to end this emergency. The release of hostages, some of whom are our nationals or have connections to our country, is urgent and critical,” he pointed out.
“We wish for Israel to understand the position”
At the end of the declaration, the minister made an appeal: “On this day that Portugal recognizes the State of Palestine and reaffirms the desire to strengthen the profound and ancient friendship between the Portuguese people and the Israeli people, and the renewed and auspicious friendship with the Palestinian people, we urge from the depths of our hearts that all hostilities cease, that a chance be given to restore full humanitarian aid, that a glimmer of hope for peace be opened.”
Emphasizing the chosen venue for the declaration, near the Portuguese representation at the United Nations, Rangel recalled the importance of the organization, which is crucial for this path to peace: “That the hostages be freed, that a ceasefire begins, that borders open to humanitarian aid, that paths of peaceful coexistence be forged, as, throughout history—and surely on this level, with such a different history, much has suffered and much is suffering. It is more than time to take necessary steps for peace.”
Questioned regarding Israel’s stance, Rangel stated that Portugal informed Tel Aviv about today’s step and emphasized the wish to maintain “bridges and dialogue” with Tel Aviv. “We have no hesitation that we seek to maintain peaceful relations with both states. We hope Israel can understand our position. It is never made against Israel. It’s made in favor of peace and naturally in favor of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination,” he responded.
Rangel further stated that Portugal would try to use all diplomatic instruments with Israel to “convince” the country of the “goodwill” of this position, aiming to ensure security for Israel as well. “Balance and agreement between both parties, the Palestinian state and the State of Israel, is necessary for Israel’s security. It is also in Israel’s interest that this process must advance.”
[News updated at 8:41 PM]
