The extended trip to the Middle East by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr George W. Vella draws to a close today following an intensive day of discussions with Palestinian dignitaries in the West Bank. Minister Vella held meetings with the Foreign Minister Riad Malki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economy, Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister Rani Hamdallah and the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The visit to Ramallah took place over a scenario of renewed tensions in East Jerusalem.

In warmly welcoming Minister Vella, President Abbas thanked the Government and people of Malta for the constant support extended to the people of Palestine throughout the years. These sentiments were echoed by the Palestinian Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, who also expressed their willingness to engage more closely with Malta on both the bilateral and regional fronts.

President Abbas stated that there remain numerous challenges to the resolution of the Palestinian question as the Middle East Peace Process had undergone serious setbacks over the past months. The situation in Gaza was discussed at length with the President giving an overview of the reconstruction efforts underway. Minister Vella reiterated Malta's commitment to the establishment of a viable and contiguous State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security with the State of Israel. 

The two Foreign Ministers signed a Joint Declaration on the establishment of a Joint Intergovernmental Committee on Cooperation in the fields of Education, Tourism and Economy. Minister George W. Vella described this as an important step towards capacity and institution building in Palestine. 

In Ramallah, Minister Vella had the opportunity to meet with Palestinian charitable entities that benefitted from Malta's Overseas Development Assistance in the fields of health, education and female empowerment.