Swedish King Honors Palestine National Day
"On the occasion of the National Day of the State of Palestine I wish to convey to Your Excellency my best wishes for your health and happiness and for the prosperity of the people of the State of Palestine," the letter, carrying the Royal Court's official letterhead, was cited by Al-Jazeera on Monday, November 17.
Palestine’s National Day is celebrated annually on November 15, to mark the anniversary of the Palestinians' declaration of independence in 1988.
The message, the first of its kind for Palestine, has been sent in coordination with the Foreign Ministry’s tradition of congratulating all countries on their national days, the Royal Court said.
"As the Swedish government has recognized the state of Palestine, it has also been sent on Palestine's National Day", it said in comments to Swedish news agency TT.
The role of the Swedish king is purely ceremonial.
Sweden officially recognized the state of Palestine on October 30, becoming the first EU country in Western Europe to do so.
Seven other EU members have already recognized Palestine - Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta, Poland, and Romania.
Non-EU member Iceland is the only other Western European nation to have done so.
Earlier this month, British lawmakers voted in favor of the recognition of Palestine as a state.
The vote was seen as a significant change in political landscape and a symbolic value for Palestinians in their pursuit of international recognition.
Source: On Islam
