RAMALLAH, September 21, 2025 (WAFA) – On the eve of the high-level international conference on a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian question and the implementation of the two-state solution, co-led by Saudi Arabia and France, global attention is turning to ten countries expected to announce formal recognition of the State of Palestine.
This wave of recognition would bring the number of countries recognizing Palestine to 159 out of 193 United Nations member states.
At a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ramallah, Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian confirmed on Sunday that the United Kingdom, Portugal, Australia, and Canada are very close to announce their recognition. She added that other countries—including Luxembourg, San Marino, Belgium, Andorra, France, and Malta—would follow suit in the coming days.
France
In France, President Emmanuel Macron stated in a post on X on Friday that he had informed President Mahmoud Abbas of France's intention to formally recognize Palestine on Monday. Macron had previously committed in a letter dated July 24 that France would make this declaration during the UN General Assembly in September.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced in July that Britain would recognize Palestine unless Israel took substantial steps to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. On Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy reaffirmed that recognition of Palestine must be part of a broader peace process. He said Prime Minister Starmer would finalize the decision later in the day.
Canada
Canada's recognition was confirmed in a phone call between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Abbas on July 31. During the call, Carney said Ottawa would officially recognize the State of Palestine in September and affirmed Canada's commitment to working with international partners toward a peaceful two-state solution.
Australia
Australia also declared its position on August 11, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirming that Canberra would recognize Palestine during the UN General Assembly. He said the move aims to support growing international momentum toward a two-state solution and a ceasefire in Gaza.
Belgium
Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot confirmed earlier this month that his country would also recognize Palestine during the UN General Assembly. In a post on social media, Prévot said Belgium would join the signatories of the New York Declaration, supporting a two-state solution.
Portugal
On Saturday, Portugal’s Foreign Ministry issued an official statement saying it would recognize the State of Palestine ahead of the UN General Assembly session, with the formal announcement scheduled for Sunday.
San Marino
San Marino's Foreign Minister Luca Beccari said on August 30 that his country planned to recognize Palestine during the upcoming peace summit in New York. He also expressed interest in strengthening bilateral relations, including plans to open a San Marino embassy in Palestine in the near future.
Andorra
France previously indicated that Andorra would also be among the countries recognizing the State of Palestine during this period.
Malta
Malta joined the list on Friday when its Deputy Foreign Minister delivered a letter to the Palestinian ambassador confirming the country's intention to recognize Palestine during the current UN General Assembly session. Prime Minister Robert Abela had already signaled Malta’s position in a July social media post, calling it a commitment to efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg also confirmed its stance through a phone call on Friday between Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. Frieden expressed his government’s full support for Palestinian statehood and the peaceful resolution of the conflict.
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