Portugal and Palestine to establish joint cooperation commission

Portugal and Palestine have agreed to establish a joint commission to deepen cooperation across sectors including education, health, and agriculture. This announcement followed a meeting in Lisbon between Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel and Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Shahin, marking the first official visit since Portugal recognized the State of Palestine last year.

The two ministers signed memorandums of understanding regarding regular political consultations and the training and exchange of information for diplomats. Additionally, Portugal announced a 250,000 euro contribution to the Horizon Fund, a crowdfunding platform launched by the UN and the Palestinian Authority to support the reconstruction of Palestinian territories, with a priority on the Gaza Strip.

During the meeting, Shahin expressed confidence in Portugal’s upcoming mandate on the United Nations Security Council for 2027-2028, stating that Portugal can provide an “important contribution” to seeking a “just and lasting peace” and defending international law.