Bilateral relations and the latest developments in the Palestinian territories were at the core of discussions which Egypt’s Ambassador in Ramallah Ihab Suleiman held on Monday with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Moustafa, and Minister of Affairs and Expatriates Varsine Aghabekian Shahin.
Suleiman offered his condolences over the death of Palestinian Ambassador in Cairo Diab Al-Louh, and stressed the deep-rooted and historic fraternal ties between Egypt and Palestine.
He also reaffirmed Egypt’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, highlighting Cairo’s continued efforts at all levels in support of these rights.
The discussions focused on developments in the Gaza Strip, with Ambassador Suleiman underscoring the importance of sustaining the ceasefire, implementing the roadmap for transitioning to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement and putting United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 into effect.
These steps will enable the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to carry out its temporary responsibilities from within the Strip, paving the way for the Palestinian National Authority to assume its full responsibilities in both Gaza and the West Bank following the transitional phase, he explained.
Such efforts will also support humanitarian relief, early recovery and reconstruction, while contributing to an improvement in the humanitarian situation.
Suleiman further reiterated Egypt’s condemnation of escalating settler violence against Palestinian civilians, continued settlement expansion in the West Bank and the financial blockade imposed on the Palestinian Authority.
He warned that such practices fuel violence and instability and undermine prospects for peace, the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
For their part, the Palestinian prime minister and foreign minister voiced appreciation for Ambassador Suleiman’s efforts during his tenure, as his mission in Ramallah comes to an end, and praised his contributions to boosting bilateral relations and developing mechanisms for joint coordination.
They also commended Egypt’s pivotal role in supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and stressed the importance of maintaining coordination and consultation in the coming period, while expressing appreciation for Egypt’s tireless efforts to support Palestinians and improve the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories.
