Portugal's Foreign Minister Praises Gaza Peace Deal, Emphasizes Need for Optimism and Realism
Rangel highlights importance of international support for fragile truce and expresses support for Portugal-Saudi bilateral relations.
RIYADH: Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel has commended the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, describing it as a significant breakthrough that marks 'huge progress on the ground.'
Speaking to Arab News in Riyadh, Rangel stressed the importance of maintaining optimism about the peace process while remaining realistic regarding its challenges.
He pointed out that while the hostages were released and a ceasefire is in place, difficulties will arise due to the complexity of these processes.
The agreement, brokered by the Trump administration, saw the release of 20 surviving hostages in exchange for 1,968 Palestinian prisoners.
While this development represents a historic turning point for the region, Rangel emphasized that the truce remains fragile and requires sustained international support.
US President Donald Trump hailed it as a 'tremendous day for the Middle East,' with leaders from Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey signing a declaration to cement the ceasefire.
The agreement aims to pursue comprehensive and durable peace in Gaza, although it does not explicitly mention a one- or two-state solution.
Rangel also addressed Portugal's recent recognition of Palestine, attributing it to longstanding policy and the diplomatic momentum generated by UN conferences co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.
He highlighted that this move was rooted in Portugal’s consistent external policy, which has long favored a two-state solution.
In addition to praising the Gaza peace deal, Rangel emphasized the need for practical measures such as humanitarian access to Gaza, reconstruction plans, and international efforts to ensure a stable transition.
He stressed that aid must enter in an organized manner to be effective.
Rangel's visit to Riyadh this week aimed at advancing bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Portugal.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress made thus far and highlighted opportunities for economic, cultural, and technological cooperation.
Notably, Rangel pointed out the mutual benefits of investment opportunities and Portuguese entrepreneurs’ activities in Saudi Arabia.
He also touched on the potential for triangular cooperation with Africa, leveraging both countries' close ties to the continent and their respective expertise to support its development.
Looking ahead, Rangel acknowledged that the Gaza peace process will be challenging but emphasized the importance of maintaining optimism and realism.
He stressed that without the current ceasefire and prisoner exchange, progress would not have been possible.
He outlined the next steps as humanitarian access, reconstruction efforts, political arrangements, and the difficult task of disarming or excluding Hamas from governance roles in any post-conflict Gaza.
Overall, Rangel's message is one of cautious optimism for the peace process while acknowledging the fragility of the current truce and the need for sustained international support to overcome future challenges.
Speaking to Arab News in Riyadh, Rangel stressed the importance of maintaining optimism about the peace process while remaining realistic regarding its challenges.
He pointed out that while the hostages were released and a ceasefire is in place, difficulties will arise due to the complexity of these processes.
The agreement, brokered by the Trump administration, saw the release of 20 surviving hostages in exchange for 1,968 Palestinian prisoners.
While this development represents a historic turning point for the region, Rangel emphasized that the truce remains fragile and requires sustained international support.
US President Donald Trump hailed it as a 'tremendous day for the Middle East,' with leaders from Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey signing a declaration to cement the ceasefire.
The agreement aims to pursue comprehensive and durable peace in Gaza, although it does not explicitly mention a one- or two-state solution.
Rangel also addressed Portugal's recent recognition of Palestine, attributing it to longstanding policy and the diplomatic momentum generated by UN conferences co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.
He highlighted that this move was rooted in Portugal’s consistent external policy, which has long favored a two-state solution.
In addition to praising the Gaza peace deal, Rangel emphasized the need for practical measures such as humanitarian access to Gaza, reconstruction plans, and international efforts to ensure a stable transition.
He stressed that aid must enter in an organized manner to be effective.
Rangel's visit to Riyadh this week aimed at advancing bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Portugal.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress made thus far and highlighted opportunities for economic, cultural, and technological cooperation.
Notably, Rangel pointed out the mutual benefits of investment opportunities and Portuguese entrepreneurs’ activities in Saudi Arabia.
He also touched on the potential for triangular cooperation with Africa, leveraging both countries' close ties to the continent and their respective expertise to support its development.
Looking ahead, Rangel acknowledged that the Gaza peace process will be challenging but emphasized the importance of maintaining optimism and realism.
He stressed that without the current ceasefire and prisoner exchange, progress would not have been possible.
He outlined the next steps as humanitarian access, reconstruction efforts, political arrangements, and the difficult task of disarming or excluding Hamas from governance roles in any post-conflict Gaza.
Overall, Rangel's message is one of cautious optimism for the peace process while acknowledging the fragility of the current truce and the need for sustained international support to overcome future challenges.
