San Marino has officially recognized the State of Palestine, the European microstate’s government announced on September 23. The decision was taken during the “Two-State Solution Conference” held in New York under the joint leadership of France and Saudi Arabia, with the proceedings organised under the auspices of the United Nations.
San Marino joins a growing number of countries formally recognising Palestinian statehood in this recent diplomatic wave. In the days immediately preceding, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal issued their recognitions, followed by Luxembourg, Belgium, Andorra, France, Malta, Monaco — and now San Marino — bringing the total of UN member states recognizing Palestine to around 159 out of 193.
Foreign Minister Luca Beccari of San Marino had previously affirmed, during discussions with the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, that his country intended to upgrade diplomatic representation for Palestine and proceed with official recognition during the New York gathering. Palestinian authorities have welcomed San Marino’s recognition as a timely affirmation of their right to self-determination under international law and as adding momentum to the two-state solution efforts.
The recognition is widely seen by international observers as largely symbolic but diplomatically significant: it contributes to Palestine’s legitimacy on the global stage, strengthens pressure on states that have yet to recognize it, and provides diplomatic support for ongoing peace-process negotiations.
San Marino’s recognition caps off several years of incremental steps: its parliament had earlier adopted recognition of diplomatic representation for Palestine, and affirmed its support for Palestine’s rights at international forums. As the diplomatic landscape shifts, San Marino’s decision adds small but cumulative weight to the international consensus favoring Palestinian statehood.
