RAMALLAH, September 15, 2026 (WAFA) — Minister of Foreign Affairs Varsen Shahin met today with Portugal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, in Lisbon, during her official visit to Portugal, held at the invitation of the Portuguese side, ahead of the first anniversary of Portugal’s historic recognition of the State of Palestine in September 2025.
The visit culminated in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding between Palestine and Portugal, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing relations between the two countries.
The discussions focused on the genocide in Gaza, the extensive destruction of homes and essential infrastructure, as well as the continued occupation, settlement expansion, settler terrorism, displacement and demolitions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Minister Shahin stressed the urgent need to protect civilians, ensure safe and sustained humanitarian access, support recovery and reconstruction, and end the occupation while enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination and realize an independent state.
The two sides also discussed bilateral relations, Palestine–EU relations, multilateral cooperation, the Middle East peace process and regional developments, emphasizing continued coordination through the EU and the United Nations in support of Palestinian rights and the two-state solution.
Minister Shahin expressed Palestine’s appreciation for Portugal’s historic recognition and its continued support for Palestinian rights, including its opposition to settlement expansion and occupation policies. She also welcomed Portugal’s role in the September 8 joint statement with 11 other countries on steps to address trade linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The Minister highlighted Portugal’s potential role, particularly following its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, in advancing international efforts to protect the two-state solution, uphold international law and preserve the prospects for a just and lasting peace.
K.T
