New Zealand Considers Recognition Of Palestinian State, Foreign Minister Peters: It's Just A Matter Of Time

JAKARTA - New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters on Monday said his country was considering the recognition of the Palestinian State, confirming recognition is only a matter of time.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's cabinet will make an official decision in September and present the government's approach to the UN Leaders Week, he said.

Foreign Minister Peters said, although some close partners of New Zealand have chosen to recognize the Palestinian State, New Zealand has an independent foreign policy.

"We intend to consider this matter carefully and then act in accordance with New Zealand's principles, values and national interests," Foreign Minister Peters said in a statement.

It is known that several countries, including Australia, Britain, and Canada in recent weeks have announced they will recognize the Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September.

He explained that the New Zealand Government needs to consider whether adequate progress has been made towards the Palestinian territories to become a viable and legitimate country for New Zealand to provide recognition.

"New Zealand has insisted for a long time, our recognition of the Palestinian state is a matter of time, not whether it will happen," added Foreign Minister Peters.

It is known that Zealand itself is one of 15 countries to sign a French-led declaration to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all the hostages held by Hamas and a new international push for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Apart from France and New Zealand, the joint statement issued on the sidelines of the United Nations summit regarding the implementation of the two-state solution late last month at New York United Nations Headquarters was also signed by Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, and Spain.

According to the joint statement, the signatories underlined that two democratic countries, Israel and Palestine, must coexist peacefully within a safe and internationally recognized border, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.