Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has described his country’s recognition of the state of Palestine as a “milestone’’ moment.
“For more than 30 years, Norway has been one of the strongest advocates for a Palestinian state.
“Today, when Norway officially recognises Palestine as a state, it is a milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine,” Eide said in a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.
Together with Ireland and Spain, Norway had announced last week that the recognition would come into force on Tuesday.
The governments hoped that this would give new impetus to the discussion about a two-state solution.
Eide said that the recognition was a clear expression of support for the moderate forces among Israelis and Palestinians.
He said that he was confident that the Palestinian Government would lay the foundations for a government in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
“It is regrettable that the Israeli government shows no signs of engaging constructively.
“The international community must increase its political and economic support for Palestine and continue the work for a two-state solution,’’ he said.
