Sheikh Meets with Greek Prime Minister to Discuss Developments in Palestine and the Region

SadaNews - The Deputy Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, Hussein Sheikh, headed a high-level Palestinian delegation that included the Director of the General Intelligence Service, Majid Faraj, the President's Advisor, Majdi Khalidi, and the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Greece, Youssef Derham, in a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the Greek capital Athens.

Sheikh conveyed the greetings of President Mahmoud Abbas and his deep appreciation for the friendship that binds the two countries and peoples, as well as his valuing of Greece's supportive positions for Palestine in international forums, alongside its humanitarian support.

Both sides reviewed enhancing cooperation relations between the two countries and the latest developments in the Palestinian territories and the region. Sheikh emphasized the seriousness of the Israeli escalation in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, due to colonial expansion, annexation attempts, and settler terrorism, calling for the immediate release of Palestinian funds withheld by Israel.

Sheikh called for freedom of access for worshippers to the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and for the preservation of the legal and historical status of the holy sites, addressing the catastrophic humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, amidst the ongoing blockade and closure of crossings.

The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the State of Palestine's welcome of President Trump's plan, the UN Security Council Resolution 2803, and the importance of activating the coordination office between the Palestinian government and the executive bodies of the Peace Council, as well as the significance of implementing the second phase, initiating recovery and reconstruction processes, and pursuing a political solution in accordance with international legitimacy.

He also stressed the unity of the Palestinian land in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and rejected any attempts to separate the Strip as it is an integral part of the State of Palestine, confirming commitment to the principle of one state, one law, and one legitimate weapon, linking Palestinian institutions in Gaza and the West Bank under the umbrella of the Palestinian government.

Sheikh reiterated the commitment to implement reform programs as a Palestinian national interest, emphasizing the State of Palestine's positions welcoming a ceasefire, full solidarity, and standing with the Gulf states and Jordan in preserving their sovereignty, security, and stability in the face of any aggressions against them.

He also welcomed the ceasefire in brotherly Lebanon, affirming support for its sovereignty and stability, and the State of Palestine's welcome for Pakistani mediation to achieve a sustainable ceasefire.

Furthermore, the importance of continuing political coordination with Greece and the European Union was emphasized, along with joint efforts to implement the two-state solution, reiterating the call for Greece to recognize the State of Palestine as a step towards achieving peace. Earlier, a meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Palestinian delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister Hussein Sheikh, with Greek Foreign Minister George Yerabrits.

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