Iceland Thursday recognized Palestine as an independent state, making it the first western European country to do so, according to an official.
The Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ossur Skarphedinsson, said during a ceremony in Reykjavik that "Iceland is the first country in western Europe to take this step', WAFA news agency reported
Foreign Affairs Minister, Riyad Al-Malki received Iceland's formal recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders on Wednesday.
Al-Malki considered this step as a victory to the Palestinian diplomacy as a result of the foreign ministry's efforts to face the Israeli occupation.
He said that "signing this agreement is a historical moment for both of Palestine and Iceland, which share a very strong relation based on friendship and solidarity."
Icelandic Member of Parliament, Amal Tamimi, welcomed the parliament's move as a first step, saying "I hope that more countries will follow suit.'
This vote comes shortly after Palestine gained full membership in UNESCO.