Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Jose Manuel Albares speaks during a meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister at the Permanent Representation of Spain to the European Union in Brussels, on May 26, 2024. Photo by Simon Wohlfahrt / AFP.
Brussels, Belgium: Recognising the State of Palestine "is justice for the Palestinian people...," Spain's foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares said Sunday alongside Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Mustafa.
Welcoming Spain's move, with Norway and Ireland, to recognise the Palestinian state on Tuesday, Mustafa said, "We want to have every country in Europe to do the same."
Albares and Mustafa spoke side-by-side in Brussels, where the Palestinian leader was also meeting EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.
Later Sunday, Mustafa was to have further talks with Borrell, Barth Eide and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
On Monday he will have another meeting in Brussels with the Spanish, Norwegian and Irish ministers. And on Wednesday he will be in Spain.
Israeli entity has warned Spain, Norway and Ireland that ties with them will face "serious consequences" for their announced recognition of a Palestinian state.
A majority of UN member countries recognise Palestinian statehood. European countries are split on the issue.
Spain, Norway and Italy will join EU nations Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Sweden in recognising the State of Palestine.
Mustafa said recognition of a Palestinian state addresses "the injustice that has been inflicted on the Palestinian people for decades".
"We hope that this momentum of recognitions and initiatives will continue," he said.
