Portugal recognises a Palestinian state, says foreign minister

Portugal said Sunday it recognises a Palestinian state, making it the latest Western nation to make the move.

"Recognising the State of Palestine is therefore the fulfilment of a fundamental, consistent, and widely agreed policy," Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel told reporters in New York ahead of the annual UN General Assembly, which opens Monday.

"Portugal advocates the two-state solution as the only path to a just and lasting peace, one that promotes coexistence and peaceful relations between Israel and Palestine," he added.