Speaker Anġlu Farrugia led a Parliamentary delegation for an official meeting with the President of the Palestine Mahmoud Abbas at the Presidential Palace in Ramallah.

During the meeting both sides discussed the excellent relations which have existed between the two countries to date, with the Palestinian President thanking Malta for its positive role with regard to the Palestinian cause throughout the years.

The Speaker said that the Maltese people and the parties that represent them in Parliament have always shared the same sentiments towards the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people in relation to their homeland and their peaceful existence within it. He continued that Malta has always been in favour of a two state solution, with Palestine living in peace with its neighbouring Israel.

Speaker Anġlu Farrugia and President Abbas discussed further cooperation between the two countries on a parliamentary level which is meant to bring both sides nearer.

Prior to meeting the Palestinian President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Maltese delegation held a meeting with  Saeb Erekat, the chief negotiator of Palestine with Israel, and both sides discussed the current situation faced by the Palestinians.

Afterwards the Speaker and the delegation paid their respects on the grave of the late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.