Malta will declare recognition of a Palestinian state during the General Assembly of the United Nations in September, Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Tuesday evening.
Abela made the announcement hours after a similar declaration by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and days after France also announced its recognition plans. “Our position reflects our commitment to efforts for a lasting peace in the Middle East,” Abela said in a Facebook post.
The Maltese government had been under increasing pressure from within its ranks to recognise a Palestinian state, and the centre-right opposition also called for immediate recognition in mid-July.
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The Mediterranean EU island has a history of supporting Palestinian causes and has consistently backed efforts for a two-state solution.
Abela first announced plans for recognition of a Palestinian state in May, stating it would take place at a United Nations conference in June. However, the conference was later postponed.
Ireland, Norway, and Spain recognised Palestine as an independent state in May.
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