LJUBLJANA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Palestine expects a number of countries to recognize it as a state in September, Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin said Monday during her first official visit to Slovenia.
"We expect that more countries will recognize Palestine in September. Some have already announced their decision, while others are still considering, but we believe they will take this step," Shahin told a joint press conference with Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon.
She said the total number of countries recognizing Palestine could rise to around 160 by the end of September, up from the current 149, calling recognition "a key step" toward advancing the two-state solution.
Several countries, including France, Malta, Canada and the United Kingdom, have indicated that they could extend recognition next month to increase pressure on Israel to end the conflict in Gaza.
Fajon reaffirmed Slovenia's support, noting that Ljubljana recognized Palestine in June 2024 and, as a current member of the United Nations Security Council, will continue to encourage others to follow suit.
"Recognition is the only guarantee for peaceful coexistence of Israelis and Palestinians side by side," Fajon said. She described the situation in Gaza as "a new stage of hell," warning that starvation used as a method of warfare constitutes a serious violation of international law.
During the visit, the two ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen bilateral relations, underscoring Slovenia's continued support for Palestine.
Shahin is also scheduled to meet Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob, President Natasa Pirc Musar, and Parliamentary Speaker Urska Klakocar Zupancic during her four-day stay. ■
