Palestinian state will be recognised at right moment, says Italy

Rome, Nov 9: Palestinians will gain a state "at the most opportune moment" for the peace process' "positive outcome", Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano said on Thursday.

"The 'recognition' of Palestine will occur at the most opportune moment for a positive outcome to the peace process," Alfano told reporters at a joint press conference here with Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riad Malki.

"Obviously, we are watching this process also in terms of timing from a the point of view of coordination between Europeans," Alfano said, adding Italy continues to back a two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

"Our approach remains oriented towards a two-state solution," Alfano said.

Maliki said Italy has always supported the Palestinians and will recognise the state of Palestine in future.

"We are sure that the recognition of Palestine by Italy is only a matter of time," he told reporters at the joint press conference.

Malki thanked Italy, saying: "It has always been at our side and has given us the support we need.

"As long as we have countries like Italy beside us we will be on the right road."

Malki held talks in Rome with Alfano on Thursday during the Third Joint Italy-Palestine Ministerial Committee at the Italian Foreign Ministry.