His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), welcomed the announcement by Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, Robert Abela, Prime Minister of the Republic of Malta, and Luís Montenegro, Prime Minister of Portugal, of their countries' intention to recognise the sisterly State of Palestine next September.
His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi praised this historic and significant step, which reflects the growing international support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them their right to establish an independent state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the principles of international law, resolutions of international legitimacy, and the Arab Peace Initiative.
His Excellency called upon all countries of the world that have not yet recognised the State of Palestine to follow the example of these nations and take similar steps that would contribute to achieving justice for the Palestinian people, ending their prolonged suffering, and cementing the principles of justice, peace, and stability in the region.