"The Portuguese State officially recognises the State of Palestine," the head of Portuguese diplomacy announced in a statement at the Portuguese mission to the United Nations in New York on 21 September.
"On this day when Portugal recognises the State of Palestine and reaffirms its will to strengthen the deep and long-standing relations of friendship between the Portuguese people and the Israeli people, and the renewed and promising relations of friendship with the Palestinian people, we urge, from the bottom of our hearts, that all hostilities cease, that an opportunity be given to re-establish humanitarian aid, and that a ray of light be opened for peace," said Paulo Rangel.
The Portuguese government, recalling the suffering of both peoples, argued that "it is time, more than time, to take the necessary steps towards peace."
Portugal thus joined the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, which announced this decision early this afternoon, becoming the 13th European Union country to recognize the Palestinian State.
The minister justified the choice of location for this announcement to "send a signal that only under the aegis of the UN and the spirit of its founding charter is it possible to achieve a solution to this conflict."
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Wonderful. About time.
By Josh from Alentejo on 22 Sep 2025, 12:01
One should expect nothing less from Portugal. It has always been a toady state relative to Britain et al. On the world stage Portugal hasn't the slightest credibility, and so in a feeble attempt to amount to something approximating the tiniest element of significance, it will do whatever the "big boys" of Europe demand of it.
By Tony from USA on 23 Sep 2025, 00:21
So who exactly does Portugal et al recognize as the government of this state? Hamas, which is itself recognized by the EU as being a terrorist organization? Will it start to hold the "Palestinian State" responsible for attacking its neighbor? One does not get to have all of the benefits of statehood without all the responsibilities as well.
By Woody from Algarve on 23 Sep 2025, 10:19
It can always be expected that Tony from the USA will post despicable comments. He is entitled to make a **** of himself. I find a tiny bit of truth to what he says, however. But he dismisses so much truth. Europe, indeed, has needed the help of the US. But the US benefitted greatly in helping Europe. Now, under the fascist republican party in the US, Europe is being abandoned. The US suffer from this, becoming more and more isolated from the free world.
Palestine is already a State, one that has been occupied illegally by a ultra right wing government in Israel, fully supported by US dollars and weapons. So when the large countries of the rest of the world proclaim their recognition of the State of Palestine, it is more than just that. It is proclaiming the State of Palestine is in jeopardy because of US funding and support of an evil regime in Israel led by Netanyahu. It also is a recognition of the existence of the State of Israel by implication. Israel is full of wonderful peace loving people. Jews are not the problem. Palestinians are not the problem. The region has always had importance to world powers for strategic reasons, not moral or ethical ones. That is the problem.
By JoeT from Algarve on 23 Sep 2025, 12:32
Too little, too late. Since when have Portugal and these other pro-Israel countries cared about the Palestinians or done anything for them? The genocide has been going on for so long now that merely recognizing the State of Palestine is no more than virtue-signaling.
By Mark from Porto on 23 Sep 2025, 13:59
Congrats to Hamas as they succeeded with their terroristacts and fooling naive western governments. By attacking, slaughtering, raping, murdering and taking hostages when no fighting was taking place, they have been awarded with recognition, more money and now finally accepted by woke countries that don’t understand the terrorists agenda to murder the westeen societys and values. It’s absolutely bonkers.
By Marty from Algarve on 23 Sep 2025, 15:16
Recognising Palestine as a state means absolutely nothing. Seeing Hamas celebrate (while still holding Israeli hostages) is sickening. As is seeing woke countries like Portugal doing the same. These countries are in bed with Hamas. No wonder Europe is doomed.
By Kameron from UK on 25 Sep 2025, 07:28