Egypt welcomed on Wednesday the announcement by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela of their countries' intention to recognise the State of Palestine. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said this accelerating international momentum towards recognising the Palestinian state represents a historic step that contributes to the realisation of a Palestinian state — a goal long supported by Egypt and Arab nations to uphold the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. Egypt renewed its call for all countries that have not yet recognised the State of Palestine to swiftly take this step, in order to stand on the right side of history and support the implementation of the two-state solution. This would ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama