This historic event is one of Minister Browne’s major engagements at the commencement of the High-Level Week of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The move is in follow-up to Trinidad and Tobago’s recognition of the State of Palestine on 2nd May, 2024.

The Joint Communiqué establishing diplomatic relations was signed by Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and His Excellency Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, at the Permanent Mission of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations in New York.

The establishment of diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine is rooted in the ongoing commitment of Trinidad and Tobago, at both the regional and multilateral levels, to contribute to international peace and security.

Today’s signing reinforces the call for a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with a two-state solution that guarantees the security of Israel and the right of Palestine to an independent, viable and sovereign state within the pre-1967 borders.

Trinidad and Tobago’s consistent support for Palestine has been demonstrated through its endorsement of critical resolutions regularly presented to the UN General Assembly, as well as those adopted at the Emergency Special Sessions on the protection of civilians and humanitarian obligations.

Most recently, Trinidad and Tobago endorsed the 13th September, 2024 Resolution on the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories whereby the Court deemed Israel’s occupation of Palestine to be unlawful and urged that it be brought in line with international law.

Today’s formalization of bilateral relations represents the commencement of an ongoing dialogue between the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the Palestinian people.