Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa stressed the importance of achieving peace in the Middle East, expressing his hope for the continuation of the ceasefire and the reaching of a permanent peace agreement.

In his speech at the annual dinner of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Portuguese Republic at the Ajuda National Palace, President de Sousa stressed the need to respect peoples, international law and UN resolutions, especially those related to the creation of two states. He said, "Peace in the Middle East is our hope, and the ceasefire must be a step towards a sustainable, just peace that respects human rights and international laws."

He also called for a real peace that is not just a convenient facade, but one that is sustainable and just, respects human rights and humanitarian law, and encourages dialogue, tolerance and pluralism. He added: “Peace must promote freedom and participation and give a voice to the largest number of people, not be concentrated in the hands of the few who have the means to bypass the law and control countries without oversight or legitimacy.”

The Portuguese President invited the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Portugal, Rawan Suleiman, to convey his greetings to President Mahmoud Abbas, wishing him well and peace in the New Year. He also conveyed his support and sincere wishes to the people of Palestine, stressing the need to continue efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable peace in the region.