ISTANBUL

Slovenia has welcomed the recognition of the state of Palestine by Australia, Canada, the UK, and Portugal, describing it as a key step toward lasting peace in the Middle East.

Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon said through the US social media company X that Ljubljana expects the upcoming UN General Assembly conference on a two-state solution to deliver “the first step towards lasting peace and coexistence between Palestine and Israel.”

“Slovenia welcomes the recognition of Palestine by Australia, Canada, & the UK. We expect the upcoming UNGA conference on a #twostatesolution to bring results that will be the first step towards lasting peace and coexistence between Palestine and Israel,” Fajon wrote.

On Sunday, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal announced the recognition of Palestine, bringing the total number of UN member states that have taken this step to 153 out of 193.

Eleven other countries -- including Malta, Luxembourg, France, and Belgium -- declared plans to extend the recognition during the UN General Assembly’s 80th session this month in New York, where world leaders will convene Monday for the high-level debate.

Joining Spain, Ireland, and Norway, Slovenia became the fourth European country to recognize the state of Palestine on May 30, 2024, following a statement by Prime Minister Robert Golob confirming his government's approval.