Washington, Aug 8 (DPA) Portugal has agreed to resettle two Syrian Guantanamo Bay detainees to assist in US President Barack Obama's plan to close the controversial prison camp by next year, the US State Department confirmed Friday.

Portugal would become the third country in the European Union (EU) to accept Guantanamo prisoners, along with Britain and France.

'We are encouraged that our close friends and allies are also considering assisting us in our efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facilities,' State Department deputy spokesman Robert Wood said.

Obama has pledged to close the prison by the end of January as he attempts to rebuild the US image in the world.