RAMALLAH, August 25, 2011 (WAFA) – El Salvador Thursday recognized Palestine as an independent and sovereign state, according to Palestinian officials.

President Mahmoud Abbas thanked the president of El Salvador for the recognition, expressing hope that it will bolster bilateral relations.

Foreign Minister Riyad Malki had visited El Salvador on August 20, where he met high level official urging them to recognize the Palestinian state.

Israel, on the other hand, had also sent a delegation to El Salvador to persuade it against recognizing Palestine.

It is expected that at least 19 Central American and Caribbean countries will follow suit, which will give the Palestinians the two-thirds number of votes needed at the United Nations General Assembly once the recognition of Palestine resolution come up for a vote.

M.A.