Prime Minister Robert Abela in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the government said, where Malta is due to recognise the State of Palestine.

Prime Minister Robert Abela is in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. More than 190 leaders, including Heads of State or Government, will be participating and joining in discussions on various topics.

In New York, on behalf of Malta and together with other countries, Prime Minister Robert Abela will be formally recognizing the State of Palestine. This is part of a political commitment made by Prime Minister Robert Abela and Malta's consistent position in favor of the two-state solution, a government statement read.

"This position also speaks of dialogue and the need for peace in the Middle East, while Malta continues to condemn the October 7, 2023 attacks by the terrorist group Hamas, which has no role in the State of Palestine. Our country continues to appeal for the unconditional release of the hostages still held by Hamas, while calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza," it said.

"Prime Minister Robert Abela also has several other meetings on various topics, including bilateral ones, before addressing the United Nations General Assembly. The theme of the 80th session, in the words of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, is 'United better together: 80 years and beyond for peace, human rights, and human development'."