Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has welcomed Portugal’s announcement that it will begin procedures to formally recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kingdom praised Portugal’s step as a positive move that supports the path toward implementing the two-state solution and achieving lasting peace in the region.

The statement also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s call for all global partners to take similar steps in recognizing Palestinian statehood as a foundation for a just and comprehensive peace.

The announcement by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s office was reported by Portuguese media on Thursday, noting that recognition could come as early as September, during the 80th UN General Assembly in New York.

The statement emphasized that Portugal would proceed with recognition if the conditions agreed upon at the recent UN conference are met.

Consultations with the president and parliament are expected to precede the final decision.

Portugal’s move follows similar commitments made by Canada, Malta, and France, all of which announced their intent to recognize Palestine at the same UN session.

These pledges align with a broader international push, supported by the “New York Call”, a statement endorsed by 15 Western countries urging swift global recognition of Palestinian statehood.

The call emerged from a high-level UN conference co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, which reaffirmed unwavering international support for a two-state solution and urged countries yet to recognize Palestine to act without delay.