VATICAN CITY, December 12, 2024 – President Mahmoud Abbas officially inaugurated the new building of the Embassy of the State of Palestine to the Vatican on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in Palestine’s diplomatic efforts.
Following the raising of the Palestinian flag above the new embassy, President Abbas delivered a brief statement, reiterating his call to countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so.
He emphasized the need for the international community to take responsibility and affirm the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, culminating in the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the two-state solution and relevant international resolutions.
The President urged global support for Palestine’s bid for full membership in the United Nations and further international recognition of the Palestinian state.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Ziad Abu Amr, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO); Ramzi Khoury, head of the Palestinian Presidential Committee for Church Affairs; Mahmoud Al-Habbash, the Palestinian Supreme Judge and presidential advisor for religious affairs and Islamic relations; Majdi Khalidi, the President’s diplomatic advisor; and Issa Kassissieh, Palestine’s Ambassador to the Holy See.
It is worth noting that the Vatican officially recognized the State of Palestine on May 13, 2015. On June 26, 2015, a comprehensive agreement on mutual recognition was signed between the Holy See and the State of Palestine.
Currently, 149 countries around the world recognize Palestine, with Armenia being the latest to do so on June 21, 2024. Palestine maintains diplomatic missions in 110 countries globally.
