Lisbon: Portugal plans to recognize the state of Palestine "as early as September," local media reported Thursday, citing sources in the prime minister's office. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's office indicated that if the conditions "presented and largely validated by the states present" at the UN conference are met, Portugal could recognize the Palestinian state "as early as September, at the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations" in New York.

According to Anadolu Agency, Montenegro will first consult with Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the nation's president, and the parties in parliament. The premier's office also mentioned that in the past it has already "explained the assumptions or conditions for starting a recognition process," specifically highlighting the "agreement with a group of countries with whom we have maintained a permanent dialogue and who have actively participated in this conference."