A Political Consultation Session Held Between the State of Palestine and Switzerland

SadaNews - A new session of political consultations was held at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, chaired by the Director of the Europe Unit, Senior Advisor Ghada Arafat, and the Swiss Foreign Minister's Assistant, head of the Middle East and North Africa Section, Ambassador Monica Schmutz Kirguiz, with the participation of the Palestinian Ambassador to Switzerland, Ibrahim Khreishe, and staff from the Foreign Ministries.

During the meeting, Senior Advisor Arafat discussed several issues of common interest, addressing the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the ongoing crimes of genocide and displacement against civilians in the Gaza Strip, as well as the violations and crimes committed by the occupation and its settlers in the occupied West Bank, including Jerusalem. Furthermore, the session addressed the Palestinian reform plan, efforts for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, and the financial challenges facing the Palestinian government.

The session also covered Switzerland's responsibility to implement the decisions issued by the International Court of Justice in accordance with its legal and political commitments towards the two-state solution, primarily recognizing the independent Palestinian state, which leads to achieving security and stability in the Middle East and the world.

Both sides discussed bilateral cooperation in the areas of development and humanitarian support. Ambassador Khreishe emphasized the importance of partnership with Switzerland, especially in supporting development and humanitarian programs, as well as supporting UNRWA. There was also an exchange of views on the peace process, international positions on the Palestinian issue, and the risks of Israeli extremism and expansionism that aim to destabilize security and stability in the region through the expansion of occupation and attempts to extend influence. Both sides stressed the importance of continuing this type of consultations and agreed to maintain coordination and enhance cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.

The Palestinian delegation also met with representatives of the three Geneva centers: the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, the Geneva Centre for Democratic Control of Armed Forces, and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining. The two sides discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation, reviewing technical support areas and capacity building, and prospects for developing partnerships that serve Palestinian priorities and training Palestinian personnel in specialized fields.