ISTANBUL 

Malta will formally recognize the state of Palestine during the 80th UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Robert Abela said Monday as he arrived in New York to attend the assembly.

The announcement comes as part of a political commitment he pledged earlier and reflects Malta’s long-standing support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the prime minister's office said in a statement.

“Malta’s position has always been consistent, supporting peace in the Middle East through dialogue and the establishment of two states,” the prime minister said, reaffirming that the recognition aims to bolster efforts toward a lasting settlement.

He reiterated Malta’s call for the unconditional release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas and urged a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

He will also hold a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings in New York before addressing the General Assembly.

On Sunday, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal announced the recognition of Palestine, bringing the total number of UN member states that have taken this step to 153 out of 193.

Eleven other countries, including Malta, Luxembourg, France, Belgium, and Armenia, declared plans to extend the recognition during the UN General Assembly’s 80th session this month in New York, where world leaders will convene Monday for the high-level debate.