STOCKHOLM (AP) — Sweden's new government says it has recognized a Palestinian state, a move declared by the prime minister as a priority for the left-leaning minority coalition.

The EU member country on Thursday joined only two other Western European countries — Malta and Cyprus — that have officially recognized a Palestinian state.

Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom said Sweden had decided on the move because the "criteria of international law" had been fulfilled, saying there is "a territory, a people and government."

The EU has said that it would recognize a Palestinian state "when appropriate" and has urged that negotiations be resumed as soon as possible to achieve a two-state solution.

Earlier this month, British lawmakers held a symbolic vote in favor of recognizing a Palestinian state.