Malta has reaffirmed its support for Palestinian statehood in comments to Doha News at the Doha Forum on Sunday, as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg urged reforms within Palestinian leadership and backed a two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace.

Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg has reaffirmed his country’s support for Palestinian statehood, while stressing the need for reform within Palestinian leadership, in comments to Doha News on the sidelines of the Doha Forum 2025 on Sunday.

Borg said Malta views the two-state solution as the only sustainable path to peace and believes lasting regional stability depends on a credible and workable political process that strengthens Palestinian institutions in both the West Bank and Gaza.

“It is important also for the Palestinians to reform their authority, to give the legitimate mandate to their leaders, both in the West Bank and also in Gaza, to lead their own nation into a statehood,” Borg told Doha News.

“We are also offering countries like Qatar support, support to reach the ultimate goal, the two-state solution,” he said.

Malta’s support for Palestinian statehood was reinforced at this year’s United Nations General Assembly, where the country formally recognised the State of Palestine.

Ahead of the UNGA session, Malta joined 14 other countries in a joint statement reaffirming their intention to recognise the State of Palestine.

The joint statement voiced “grave concern over the high number of civilian casualties and humanitarian situation in Gaza” and highlighted the need to unify the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.

In his comments to Doha News, Borg also praised Qatar’s role in regional mediation efforts and pointed to the pressure placed on Doha as it works to facilitate negotiations.

“It is, of course, important to have key players like Qatar and I cannot, I cannot underestimate the pressure that someone like Qatar has when they are negotiating,” he said.

Borg added that Malta was prepared to assist where needed.

With a peace plan now on the table and a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel repeatedly violated on the ground by Israel, Borg said real progress would depend on follow-through and on all parties honouring their commitments.

The 2025 Doha Forum, held under the patronage of Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, centred on the theme “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress”.

Sessions placed particular focus on the erosion of trust in international systems and the ongoing suffering in Gaza and Sudan.