UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- France, Belgium and several other countries on Monday joined the growing list of nations that have recognized the State of Palestine, during a high-level UN meeting on the two-state solution. Malta, Monaco and Luxembourg also announced their recognition at the meeting, bringing the number of countries to over 150 that have announced their recognition of the State of Palestine. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said the two-state solution "is the only way to achieve a just and permanent peace." He expressed appreciation to all countries that have recognized the State of Palestine and called on those who have not yet done so to follow suit. On Sunday, Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal formally recognized the State of Palestine to push for a two-state solution, as Israel presses ahead with its military offensive in the Gaza Strip and annexation in the West Bank despite mounting global condemnation.