Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that Malta has offered its assistance to help Palestine in the tourism, education and infrastructure.

Following a meeting he had with Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Haldallah in Ramallah, Dr Muscat said that the Palestinian Embassy is cooperating with the Maltese authorities about the 41 Palestinians who were saved at sea by the Armed Forces last Friday.

He said a solution is being sought for them to be reunited with their relatives in other countries or to make a return to Palestine.

Dr Muscat also expressed optimism that a deal could be reached to solve decades-long issues in the Middle East.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas did not meet with Dr Muscat. Today Abbas is in Rome where he met Pope Francis.