ISLAMABAD (AA) – Pakistani Foreign Secretary Jalil Aabbas Jilani on Monday presented a check for $1 million to Palestinian Ambassador Walid Abu Ali as a contribution to the construction of a Palestine embassy in Islamabad.
"This grant is another reflection of the brotherly relations between the two nations," Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Chaudry told Anadolu Agency.
"Pakistan has always supported the Palestinian cause and will continue to do so," he added.
During a February visit by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Pakistan pledged $1 million towards the embassys' construction.
Abu Ali thanked the people and government of Pakistan for the grant and their principled position on the Palestine issue.
"I salute the people of Pakistan for their unwavering support to the Palestinian people in their struggle for the realization of their inalienable rights and for the establishment of an independent state in accordance with relevant UN resolutions," the Palestinian diplomat said in press statements.
Like most Arab countries, Pakistan does not officially recognize Israel.
In 2006 and 2007, efforts were made to establish diplomatic contacts between Pakistan and Israel by then military ruler General Pervez Musharraf, once lauded as "a brave man" by the New York-based American Jewish Council.
A strong political and public backlash, however, prevented Musharraf from carrying through with the plan.
By Aamir Latif – Anadolu Agency
englishnews@aa.com.tr
