This was stated by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom, Bart De Wever, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (GA) session.

"Belgium has always defended the principle of two states and today joined the signatories of the New York Declaration. Only such a solution will allow the residents of Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security," the head of government noted.

"The recent statements by Israeli politicians, including Prime Minister [Benjamin Netanyahu], that the State of Palestine will not exist is an additional reason to support the Palestinians on this issue. Therefore, Belgium is sending a strong political signal to the world today by joining the group of countries that announced recognition of the State of Palestine on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session," De Wever said.