The Norwegian Ministry stated in a statement: “Norway and Palestine signed a Memorandum of Understanding in New York. This agreement was reached after Norway’s recognition of Palestine as a state in May 2024, marking another significant milestone in the long-standing relations between the two countries. The Memorandum of Understanding contributes to enhancing cooperation and closer dialogue between Norway and Palestine, on both bilateral and international levels.” The statement quoted Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, who said: “This agreement is a clear expression of Norway’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent and democratic Palestinian state.” Earlier on Tuesday, the office of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the United Kingdom would recognize the State of Palestine next September, before the United Nations General Assembly convenes, if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and does not take steps to end the “horrific” situation in the Strip. On July 25, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would officially recognize the State of Palestine during the UN General Assembly meeting next September. He said he had sent a letter pledging to do so to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. According to the Russian position, the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli issue is only possible based on the formula approved by the UN Security Council, which stipulates the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
