LISBON - Portugal officially recognized the State of Palestine on Sunday, according to the Lusa News Agency.

"Today, the Portuguese State officially recognizes the State of Palestine," Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel declared at the Portuguese UN mission in New York, emphasizing that the country believes a two-state solution "is the only path to peace".

"It is more than time to take the necessary steps for peace," Lusa news agency quoted Rangel as saying. The minister added Portugal advocates for a ceasefire and opening borders to humanitarian aid. The announcement came as scheduled on the eve of the High-Level Conference on the two-state solution, organized by France and Saudi Arabia at UN headquarters in New York.

The Portuguese government's decision received full support from President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who told journalists in New York that he "followed the entire process" and emphasized that Portugal "has always, with all presidents and all governments, defended this principle".

On Saturday, the Palestinian National Authority welcomed Portugal's announcement of its intention to formally recognize the State of Palestine, describing the decision as "courageous and consistent with international law".