Trinidad and Tobago Formally Recognises the State of Palestine

PORT OF SPAIN – Trinidad and Tobago has formally established diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine, four months after the twin island republic said it has formally recognized the State of Palestine in May.

amerysMinister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Dr. Amery Browne and Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister of the State of Palestine signed a Joint Communiqué establishing diplomatic relations on 22nd September, 2024 at the Permanent Mission of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations in New YorkAccording to an official statement issued here, the joint communique establishing diplomatic relations was signed by the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Dr. Amery Browne and  Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, at the Permanent Mission of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations in New York on Sunday.

It said that the establishment of diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine “is rooted in the ongoing commitment of Trinidad and Tobago, at both the regional and multilateral levels, to contribute to international peace and security”.

The statement said that the signing on Sunday “reinforces the call for a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with a two-state solution that guarantees the security of Israel and the right of Palestine to an independent, viable and sovereign state within the pre-1967 borders.

“Trinidad and Tobago’s consistent support for Palestine has been demonstrated through its endorsement of critical resolutions regularly presented to the United Nations General Assembly, as well as those adopted at the Emergency Special Sessions on the protection of civilians and humanitarian obligations,” the statement said.

It said most recently, Trinidad and Tobago endorsed the September 13, 2024 Resolution on the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories whereby the Court deemed Israel’s occupation of Palestine to be unlawful and urged that it be brought in line with international law.

The statement added that the “formalization of bilateral relations represents the commencement of an ongoing dialogue between the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the Palestinian people”.