Press release
30 October 2014
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Sweden recognises Palestine and increases aid
Sweden has today recognised the State of Palestine. The Government considers that the international law criteria for the recognition of Palestine have been satisfied.
Sweden hopes that its decision will facilitate a peace agreement by making the parties less unequal, supporting the moderate Palestinian forces and contributing to hope at a time when tensions are increasing and no peace talks are taking place.
"The purpose of Sweden's recognition is to contribute to a future in which Israel and Palestine can live side by side in peace and security. We want to contribute to creating more hope and belief in the future among young Palestinians and Israelis who might otherwise run the risk of believing that there is no alternative to the current situation," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström (Social Democratic Party).
The Government also adopted a five-year aid strategy including substantially increased support to Palestinian state-building. Bilateral aid to Palestine will increase by SEK 500 million to SEK 1.5 billion over the next five-year period, in addition to Sweden's substantial humanitarian assistance.
"Sweden's contribution aims among other things to make it easier for Palestinians to support themselves and to continue living where they are, to strengthen women's empowerment and strengthen resilience to environmental and climate changes. This increased assistance means support to all moderate and non-violent forces in Palestine promoting democracy, human rights and gender equality," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Isabella Lövin (Green Party).
Contact
John Zanchi
Press contact for the Minister for Foreign Affairs
work +46 8 405 10 00
cell +46 72 509 49 64
email to John Zanchi, via the MFA Communications Department
Catarina Axelsson
Press contact for the Minister for International Development Cooperation
work +46 8 405 10 00
cell +46 70 810 47 95
email to Catarina Axelsson
Country: Palestine (State of), Sweden
Subject: Assistance, Environmental issues, Humanitarian relief, International presence, Peace proposals and efforts, Population, Security issues, Statehood-related, Women
Publication Date: 30/10/2014