Riyadh: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced today that Australia will formally recognize the State of Palestine during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, scheduled for September. Addressing the Australian Parliament after a cabinet meeting, Albanese said the decision reaffirms Australia’s commitment to the two-state solution and acknowledges the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Albanese stressed that the move goes beyond symbolism, aiming to help advance the peace process in the Middle East.