Two years after recognizing Palestine as a state, Ecuadors foreign minister has announced Ecuador will open a diplomatic mission in Palestinian territory.

Minister Ricardo Patiño met with Riyad al-Malki, his Palestinian counterpart, on Sunday in Quito. The two signed a Memorandum of Understanding, committing to strengthening diplomatic relations. Al-Malki was in Ecuador to attend President Rafael Correas inauguration on May 24. 

Palestine will in turn open a diplomatic mission in Quito.

According to AFP, Al-Malki expressed gratitude "to the Ecuadoran people... for the support, brotherhood, friendship and sincere and honest solidarity to the Palestinian peoples cause." He also said that Palestine feels a duty to be here in Ecuador, to recognize this support. 

"We recognize the claim, the historical struggle of the Palestinian people and their right to participate in the United Nations," President Rafael Correa said in support of Palestines application for UN membership in 2011. 

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