Trinidad and Tobago Officially Recognize State of Palestine

On Friday, Trinidad and Tobago officially recognized the State of Palestine, joining Barbados and Jamaica as the third Caribbean nation to recognize a Palestinian state.

The decision was announced by the Cabinet by the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs.

“Recognition of Palestine is moral and just and demonstrates Trinidad and Tobago’s acknowledgement of and support for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people,” today’s press release noted.

It added: “In the seven months since the start of the war in Gaza, Senator, the Honourable Dr Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, has articulated the position of Trinidad and Tobago on this issue; condemned the killing of civilians in Gaza and Israel; expressed support for the two-State solution; and called for an immediate ceasefire, the exercise of restraint, regard for civilian lives and welfare, dialogue and diplomacy.”

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine, asserting that it supports the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and represents a major step towards implementing the two-state solution.

Abbas said: “The right of peoples to self-determination is an established right recognized under international law, and the State of Palestine renews its continuous call to countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to stand up to their responsibilities and acknowledge the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination."