Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said Thursday that the government intends to ask President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and all political parties represented in Parliament to consider recognizing the State of Palestine during the upcoming UN General Assembly session next month.

Portugal and 14 other countries signed a joint declaration expressing their readiness to recognize the State of Palestine during the just concluded UN summit in New York on the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised Portugal on Thursday, calling its stance a positive one that supports a two-state solution an lasting peace in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia called for all global partners to take similar steps to recognize Palestinian statehood as a foundation for a just and comprehensive peace.

The United Arab Emirates and Iraq have also voiced strong support for recognizing the State of Palestine.