Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Store, announced on Friday that Norway is prepared to recognize a Palestinian state in conjunction with other nations, as stated during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who seeks collective support for the cause.
“Norway stands ready to recognize the state of Palestine,” stated Prime Minister Store at a joint press briefing with Sanchez, emphasizing the need for close coordination among “like-minded countries.”
He added, “We have not set a firm timetable,” referencing Norway’s parliamentary decision in November to be prepared for recognizing an independent Palestinian state.
Norway has a history of involvement in Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, notably hosting talks in the early 1990s that resulted in the Oslo Accords.
Sanchez, currently on a tour of Poland, Norway, and Ireland, aims to rally backing for Palestinian state recognition, according to a Spanish government spokesperson.
In tandem with Store’s remarks, Sanchez reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to recognizing Palestine “as soon as possible,” under suitable conditions and in a manner conducive to the peace process.
Spain, alongside Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia, declared readiness to recognize Palestine in March, contingent upon favorable circumstances.
Sanchez expressed hopes for recognition by the end of June during his Middle East visit last week.
Prime Minister Store welcomed Sanchez’s efforts to garner support and pledged to enhance coordination among participating countries in the coming weeks.
Sanchez’s vocal stance has irked Israel amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’s attack on southern Israel, has resulted in numerous casualties, with Israel’s retaliatory strikes drawing international scrutiny.
