Ireland formally recognizes Palestinian statehood, establishes full diplomatic relations

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Ireland has officially recognized Palestine as a state and established full diplomatic relations with it, Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin announced on Tuesday.

"Today's Government decision authorizes the establishment of full diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine," Martin said in a statement on X.

This step forward involves upgrading the status of the Palestinian mission in Ireland to that of an embassy, contingent upon a formal request from Palestinian authorities.

Additionally, an ambassador from the State of Palestine will be appointed to Ireland.

Ireland will also upgrade its current Representative Office in Ramallah to an embassy.

"Recognition of Palestine is not the end of a process; it is the beginning," Martin emphasized, highlighting “our long-standing development cooperation programme.”

“It is vital that the Palestinian Authority is given the full backing of the international community in its reform and service delivery efforts and we will redouble our energies to this end,” he added.

In recent days, Martin has engaged in discussions with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and consulted with European and Arab partners regarding the Arab Peace Vision, which he described as a meaningful path toward achieving lasting peace.

"Ireland will continue to work closely with the Palestinian Authority, and our EU and international partners, in creating a political path that can stop this horrific conflict and humanitarian disaster," Martin said.

He stressed the importance of realizing the vision of a sovereign, independent Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside Israel.