Maldives Welcomes UK, Canada, Australia’s Recognition of Palestine, Urges Other Nations to Follow

Maldives on Monday welcomed the announcement made by the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia formally recognising the Palestine State.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement hailed the announcement as a significant development in the pursuit of peace and stability in the region, adding that it underscores growing international consensus on the urgency of achieving peace, security and dignity for the people of Palestine.

“The Maldives calls on all nations that have yet to do so to support the Palestinian people on their legitimate pursuit of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine,” the statement read.

Hours after the announcement, Portugal also joined UK, Canada and Australia to recognise a Palestinian state in a move intended to promote a two-state solution.

The decision by four nations from the West, which has traditionally allied with Israel, aligned them with more than 140 other countries also backing Palestinians' aspiration to forge an independent homeland from the occupied territories.

UK’s decision carried particular symbolism given its major role in Israel's creation as a modern nation in the aftermath of World War Two.

Other nations, including France, are expected to follow suit this week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.