Japan: We support aspirations of Palestinians for independent state

Japanese Foreign Minister on Monday called for the establishment of a Palestinian state at the two-state solution Conference in New York.

"A Palestinian state must be established, living in peace alongside Israel. We support the aspirations of the Palestinian people for an independent state," he said. 

The minister condemned Israeli settlements in the West Bank and said that Japan supports the two-state solution. 

Luxembourg, Malta and Andorra followed France and other countries on Monday in recognising Palestinian statehood during a conference at UN headquarters in New York.

World leaders have currently gathered in New York City for the UN General Assembly conference, where France and Belgium recognised Palestinian statehood. 

Portugal has also recognised the State of Palestine, following UK, Canada and Australia.