STOCKHOLM, October 30, 2014 (WAFA) - The Sweden Foreign Ministery Thursday announced that its government will recognize the State of Palestine, making Sweden the first member in the European Union to take such a step.

According to a press release published on the Government Offices of Sweden website, it recognized the state of Palestine and considers that 'the international law criteria for the recognition of Palestine have been satisfied.'

Sweden said that such decision would facilitate reaching a peace agreement, 'by making the parties less unequal, supporting the moderate Palestinian forces and contributing to hope at a time when tensions are increasing and no peace talks are taking place.'

'The purpose of Sweden's recognition is to contribute to a future in which Israel and Palestine can live side by side in peace and security.” Minister for Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström of the Social Democratic Party said, “We want to contribute to creating more hope and belief in the future among young Palestinians and Israelis who might otherwise run the risk of believing that there is no alternative to the current situation.'

The Swedish government decided to increase aid and adopt a five-year aid strategy including substantially increased support to Palestinian state-building; aid to Palestine will increase from SEK 500 million to SEK 1.5 billion ($67.8 million to $203.4 billion) over the next five-year period, in addition to Sweden's substantial humanitarian assistance.

Minister for International Development Cooperation Isabella Lövin of the Green Party said that 'Sweden's contribution aims among other things to make it easier for Palestinians to support themselves and to continue living where they are, to strengthen women's empowerment and strengthen resilience to environmental and climate changes.

She added, “This increased assistance means support to all moderate and non-violent forces in Palestine promoting democracy, human rights and gender equality.”

On his part, President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the political recognition of the State of Palestine by the Kingdom of Sweden, in a Presidential decree issued Thursday.

He said, “This, moral and courageous step is  an advanced historic position taken by the Kingdom of Sweden in championing Human Rights values and shows Sweden's commitment to international law, international humanitarian law and human rights.”

Described as historic, Abbas said such move will certainly salvage the two-state solution and give Palestinians hope in diplomacy as an effective way to achieve their legitimate right of statehood and self-determination.

Abbas commended Sweden’s decision, which in his view, “presents an example of practicing its sovereign decision to recognize the State of Palestine despite the tremendous pressure exerted on it.”

He called on the remaining European countries to follow Sweden's suit and make a stance in favor of justice and peoples' rights.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Riad al-Malki welcomed recognition, and called on all countries, especially the United States and European countries to recognize the State of Palestine as soon as possible to save the two-state solution and revive meaningful negotiations.