Malta is ready to recognise Palestine as a State, the Office of the Prime Minister said Friday.

The declaration was made after Prime Minister Robert Abela met with the leaders of Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia to discuss the latest developments in Gaza and the Middle East. The leaders met while attending a European Council summit in Brussels.

The four states agreed that a two-State solution is crucial in order to achieve peace in the Middle East, and are therefore ready to recognise Palestine as a state when the conditions for the establishment of this State (of Palestine) permit such a development. Malta has for long been advocating a two-State solution to bring about peace in the Middle East.

The four countries agreed that there should be an immediate permanent cessation of hostilities, and that all hostages should be released and humanitarian aid to be provided immediately. They also noted positively that the Council agreed with the conclusions on the conflict in the Middle East.