Valletta (Quds News Network)- Malta will recognise Palestine as a state during the UN general assembly meeting in September, Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed on Tuesday, hours after the UK announced a similar declaration. "Our position reflects our commitment to efforts for a lasting peace in the Middle East," Abela said in a Facebook post. Abela made the announcement hours after a similar declaration by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and days after France also announced its recognition plans. The Malta government had been under increasing pressure from within its ranks to recognize a Palestinian state and the centre-right Opposition in mid-July also called for immediate recognition. The Mediterranean EU island has a history of support for Palestinian causes and has backed efforts for a two-state solution. Abela first announced plans for recognition of a Palestinian state in May, saying it would take place at a United Nations conference in June, but the conference was later postponed. Last year, amid Israel’s assault on Gaza, nine countries – Armenia, Slovenia, Ireland, Norway, Spain, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados – formally recognised the State of Palestine, reflecting growing international support. Currently, at least 146 UN member states recognise the State of Palestine.