New Zealand to decide on Palestinian state recognition in September

New Zealand is weighing the formal recognition of a Palestinian state, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Monday, confirming that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s cabinet will make a decision in September and present it during the U.N. Leaders' Week.

The move comes as Australia, Britain, and Canada have all recently declared plans to grant recognition at September’s U.N. General Assembly.

Peters stressed that New Zealand maintains an independent foreign policy despite the decisions of close allies. “We intend to weigh up the issue carefully and then act according to New Zealand’s principles, values, and national interest,” he said.

He noted the government must assess whether sufficient progress has been made toward creating a viable and legitimate Palestinian state before recognition is granted.

“New Zealand has been clear for some time that our recognition of a Palestinian state is a matter of when, not if,” Peters added.

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