Lithuania would recognize Palestine when conditions are met, acting foreign minister says

Lithuania would recognize Palestine as a state only when it has a clearly defined territory, functioning institutions, and no terrorist organizations, acting Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said on Friday, LRT reports.

Budrys stressed that Lithuania continues to support a two-state solution in the Middle East conflict. He made the remarks during a meeting with the Liberal Movement faction in the Seimas (Lithuanian parliament).

“I am convinced that the day will come when we can say that a state of Palestine could exist in a defined territory, with defined institutions and without terrorist organizations. Then Lithuania could recognize it. There are also no doubts about our pursuit of a two-state solution,” the minister said.

He noted that Lithuania contributes to strengthening Palestine not through symbolic statements but through concrete projects. Budrys recently visited Israel and Palestine, meeting with the Palestinian administration.

“Lithuania is doing a lot in Palestine—more than some countries that take stricter positions. When I hear criticism that Lithuania is not contributing to Palestine’s strengthening and that recognition is the only way to support it, I remind them of our practical projects, cooperation in digitization, and other assistance provided,” he said.

Regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza, Budrys emphasized that Lithuania’s position remains consistent: international humanitarian law must be respected.

“The 73,000 women and children killed in Gaza shock me just as much as they shock everyone else,” he said. However, he added that Lithuania must maintain dialogue with Israel and directly raise issues of humanitarian law violations.

Budrys also warned that the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank could irreparably damage the prospects for a two-state solution and Palestinian statehood.

On Lebanon, he said Lithuania supports the government’s efforts to reduce Hezbollah’s influence and uphold the ceasefire agreement, though the situation remains highly fragile.

Budrys acknowledged Israel’s right to ensure its security from Iran-backed groups, calling Hezbollah’s presence near Israel’s northern border unacceptable. He also supported Israel’s goal of eliminating Hamas in Gaza and ensuring its disarmament.

Lithuania backs international efforts to implement a second phase of the ceasefire, which includes Hamas disarmament, he said.

Last autumn, several Western countries—including the UK, Australia, Canada, Portugal, and France—recognized Palestine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to oppose Palestine’s recognition in UN negotiations, arguing it would threaten Israel’s existence and reward terrorism.