Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion, Carmelo Abela, exchanged views with Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, Foreign Minister, Riyad al-Maliki, and other Cabinet ministers during an official visit to the West Bank.
Minister Abela told President Abbas that Malta has been a longstanding supporter of the Palestinian people, and of their inalienable rights and aspirations. Furthermore, Malta is committed to continue strengthening the already excellent bilateral relations, the government said in a statement.
“ As he had done during a bilateral meeting with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Natanyahu, a few days before in Tel Aviv, during his official encounters in Palestine, Minister Abela reaffirmed Malta’s longstanding commitment towards a two-State solution. He pointed out that, in this regard, Malta maintains that the future status of Jerusalem must be mutually agreed upon through meaningful peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.”
During his meeting with Foreign Minister Al-Maliki, Minister Abela said that Malta wishes to be considered by all stakeholders in the Israel-Palestinian conflict as a bridgebuilder. At a press conference held at the end of the meeting, he said: “This is our vocation … If we can do our bit to convince both parties, all those concerned, to go back to the negotiating table, we will try to do it to the best of our ability.”
In Palestine, the Maltese Foreign Minister also had the opportunity to greet Palestinian Prime Minister, Rami Al-Hamdallah, and show him around the life-size traditional Maltese crib that has been set up in Bethlehem’s Manger Square. He also held talks with Minister of Tourism and Antiquties, Rula Maa’yah; Minister for National Economy, Abeer Odeh; the Head of the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction and Member of the Fateh Central Committee, Mohammad Shtayyeh; Bethlehem’s mayor, Anton Salman; and the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce. In Ramallah, he placed a wreath at the tomb of former Palestinial leader, Yasser Arafat.
As part of the Christmas festivities in Bethlehem, Minister Abela attended the annual Christmas scout parade accompanying the entry of the head of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and welcomed the Apostolic Administrator, Rev. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, at the end of his symbolic journey from Jerusalem to Jesus Christ’s biblical birthplace. He was also a special guest at the traditional reception given by the Church for dignitaries, as well as at a Christmas dinner hosted by President Abbas. Furthermore, he participated in the traditional Christmas Midnight Mass in Bethlehem as President Abbas’ special guest.
During his official visit to Palestine, the Minister was accompanied by the Head of Malta’s Representative Office in Ramallah, Reuben Gauci.