Pedro Sánchez is pushing for recognition of the Palestinian state alongside Norway and Ireland: "The time has come to put words into deeds"

Oslo (Norway) and Dublin (Ireland)

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, greet each other (Foto: Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo)

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, has met with his counterparts from Norway and Ireland, Jonas Store and Simon Harris, respectively. This trip is a continuation of the President's tour of Arab countries and the work he has been doing for months in Europe to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

The situation in Gaza is unsustainable, making it essential for external actors such as Europe to contribute to achieving peace and stability in the region "given the risk of the situation worsening and a regional escalation", as the president pointed out. In this regard, Sánchez has conveyed to his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Store, Spain's commitment to recognise the Palestinian state: "It is time to put words into deeds," he said. He also highlighted the consistency shown by our country since the beginning of the conflict in calling for an immediate ceasefire, the entry of humanitarian aid and the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages captured by Hamas terrorists.

This position is shared, which is why both leaders have signed a joint declaration in which they express their "readiness" to recognise the Palestinian state when it contributes positively to a peace process between Israel and Palestine. In the president's words, it is "a political solution that will bring, once and for all, peace and justice to the region."

The statement calls for an immediate ceasefire to halt Israel's "indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force", emphasising the responsibility to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, where the risk of famine is imminent. It also reaffirms the commitment of both countries to UNRWA, which plays a vital role for the civilian population in the region.

Norway plays a historic role as a mediator in this conflict. The 1993 Oslo Accords, which were the culmination of the 1991 Madrid Conference, were a political success in moving towards peace in the region. Stemming from this process, Norway chairs for life the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, a forum for the collection and disbursement of taxes in the West Bank. This joint effort between the two nations that have historically actively sought a lasting solution to the conflict "is a reminder of what the international community can do if the political will is there," the president remarked.

The commitment to peace and the two-state solution is also shared with Ireland. The new Prime Minister, Simon Harris, confirmed to President Sánchez during their meeting in Dublin that Ireland will continue to work together with Spain to push for a political process that will bring a lasting and just peace to the region. "We both believe that recognition of Palestine is a necessary step in discussing and implementing the two-state solution," the president said. He also stated that more and more European countries are willing to do so.

The President thanked Ireland for the ambitious and courageous stance it has taken to end the conflict and to seek the implementation of a political perspective based on the two-state solution. They also highlighted the letter that the two leaders sent to the European Commission requesting a review of Israel's compliance with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and the declaration that Spain and Ireland signed together with Malta and Slovenia on 22 March, which subscribes to the commitment to recognise the State of Palestine.

In this regard, President Sánchez has assured that Spain will also support Palestine's entry as a full member of the UN and has once again called for an International Peace Conference to be held as soon as possible.

Non official translation