BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- After Japan voted for the UN to recognize Palestine as a non-member state, the country is urging Palestine and Israel to return to peace talks, a statement from the Japanese foreign ministry said Saturday.

Japan voted for Thursday's resolution at the UN General Assembly in light of its support for the two-state solution, the release said.

"Following the adoption of this historical resolution, Palestine will bear greater responsibility vis-à-vis the international community," it continued.

"We strongly urge Palestine to exert more earnest efforts toward the realization of peace in the Middle East."

Palestine should use "prudence" over international actions, including joining world bodies, that might harm chances of peace talks, the ministry said.

"Israel, for its part, should improve the environment to promote the resumption of peace negotiations, including by freezing settlement activities," it added.