Sweden recognises Palestinian state: Foreign minister

Foreign minister says it is an important step that confirms Palestinians' right to self-determination

STOCKHOLM: Sweden on Thursday officially recognised the state of Palestine, Stockholm's foreign minister said, less than a month after the government announced its intention to make the controversial move.

"Today the government takes the decision to recognise the state of Palestine," Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom said in a statement published in the Dagens Nyheter daily.

"It is an important step that confirms the Palestinians' right to self-determination."