CANBERRA, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Australia formally recognizes the independent and sovereign State of Palestine, effective Sunday, according to a government statement.

"Australia recognizes the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own," said a joint media release by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Australia's recognition of Palestine, alongside Canada and Britain, is part of a coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution, starting with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages taken in October 2023, the statement said.

"Today's act of recognition reflects Australia's longstanding commitment to a two-state solution, which has always been the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and the Palestinian people," it said.

"Australia will continue to work with our international partners to help build on today's act of recognition and to bring the Middle East closer to the lasting peace and security that is the hope, and the right, of all humanity," the statement said. ■