Türkiye Welcomes Formal Recognition of Palestine by Britain, Canada, and Australia

Türkiye Applauds International Recognition of Palestine

Türkiye has officially welcomed the formal recognition of the State of Palestine by Britain, Canada, and Australia, characterizing the decisions as a significant step towards upholding international law and universal human values. The announcement was made by Burhanettin Duran, Türkiye's Presidential Communications Director, and Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, who both issued statements on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Coordinated Recognition by Western Nations

The formal recognition of the State of Palestine by Britain, Canada, and Australia marks a notable shift in the foreign policy of these nations. The coordinated declarations were made on Sunday, September 21, 2025, just ahead of the United Nations General Assembly. This move reverses decades of these countries' reluctance to recognize a Palestinian state until a permanent peace settlement with Israel was achieved. Portugal also joined this wave of recognition, further expanding the international consensus on Palestinian statehood.

The decisions by these countries were reportedly influenced by the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and concerns regarding the diminishing prospects of a two-state solution. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the UK's recognition was intended to 'revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis' and to 'keep alive the possibility of a two-state solution'. Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that Canada's recognition was aimed at preserving the prospect of a two-state solution and empowering those who seek peaceful coexistence. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese affirmed that Australia's recognition acknowledged the 'legitimate and long held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own'.

Türkiye's Enduring Support for Palestinian Statehood

In his statement, Burhanettin Duran welcomed the decisions, asserting that countries recognizing Palestine and condemning Israel's actions in Gaza are 'standing on the right side of history'. He expressed confidence that these recognitions would encourage other nations to follow suit, thereby helping Palestine achieve its rightful place in the international arena. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz echoed this sentiment, stating that broader recognition would serve as a 'strong response to attempts to eliminate the two-state solution through occupation and ethnic cleansing'.

Türkiye has consistently been a vocal advocate for Palestinian statehood, maintaining official relations with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) since 1975 and being among the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. The Turkish officials reiterated Türkiye's unwavering commitment to supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and defending the 'legitimate rights of the Palestinian people' on all international platforms.

International Reactions to the Recognitions

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry warmly welcomed the official recognitions, calling them 'courageous decisions' that align with international law and UN resolutions. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described the move as a 'crucial and necessary step' towards achieving a just and lasting peace. Conversely, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted strongly against the recognitions, stating that a 'Palestinian state will not be established' and vowing to continue strengthening settlements in the West Bank. Hamas, meanwhile, urged the international community to isolate Israel following these developments.