UN, September 23. /TASS/. Belgium has joined the group of countries that recognized the State of Palestine, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session.

"Belgium is giving out a strong political and diplomatic signal to the world today by joining the group of countries that [have] announced the recognition of the State of Palestine," the Belgian prime minister said.

"The effective conduct of diplomatic relations with the new state of Palestine, including the opening of Belgian embassy and the conclusion of international agreements, will be carried out once the objectives of the New York Declaration have been achieved," De Wever stated.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron announced Paris’ recognition of Palestinian statehood. Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and Portugal voiced their recognition of the State of Palestine a day before.

According to their statements, commitment to the two-state principle for two peoples is essential to peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.