Saudi Arabia praises Portugal’s plan to recognize Palestinian state

Saudi Arabia has welcomed Portugal’s announcement that it is moving towards recognising a Palestinian state in September. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said on Thursday that his centre-right government would begin consultations with the main political parties and conservative President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa about the potential recognition of a Palestinian state. “The kingdom affirms that this positive step supports the path toward the implementation of the two-state solution and achieving peace,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said.