Palestinian FM, EU foreign policy head meet in Brussels

By Yusuf Hatip

BRUSSELS

EU Foreign Policy Chief on Thursday met with Palestinian foreign minister in Brussels for bilateral and regional talks, according to an EU statement.

Federica Mogherini and Riyad al-Maliki exchanged views on relations between the EU and the Palestinian Authority as well as the current political and humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Mogherini reiterated the EU’s continued support to the Palestinians and to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

She also stressed the “unwavering commitment of the EU to a negotiated two-state solution as the only viable and realistic way to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

The EU foreign policy chief recalled the EU's “firm support to the efforts of the United Nations and Egypt and encouraged the Palestinian Authority to continue to engage towards improving the humanitarian situation of the people in Gaza, preventing renewed escalation and reuniting Gaza and the West Bank under one single and legitimate Palestinian Authority.”

Al-Maliki also held talks with Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Didier Reynders.

Over Twitter, Reynders called the meeting as productive. He wrote: “New priorities for development cooperation, training of diplomats, enhanced status for the Palestinian mission in Brussels.”