Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas, in Ramallah.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed Greece’s support for the Palestinian Authority as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, a stance confirmed by the fact that this is the first visit by a Greek Prime Minister to Ramallah since 2015 and the first visit by a European leader since the launch of the first phase of the Peace Plan in October.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis pointed out that Greece is ready to contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza and the consolidation of security conditions, while stressing the importance of Palestinian participation in the implementation of the Peace Plan.
The Prime Minister underlined that Greece contributes steadily to the relief efforts for the residents of Gaza, always prioritizing the protection of civilians, and has arranged for the treatment of children rescued from the war in Greek hospitals.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis noted that Greece, as a partner and friend of all states in the region, always acts as a consistent and honest interlocutor and is steadfastly ready to contribute to the dialogue. In this context, he reiterated that our country, as a member of the European Union and the United Nations Security Council, is firmly in favor of restarting the political process with the aim of achieving a two-state solution.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of the reform program implemented by the Palestinian Authority, adding that the successful implementation of the reforms will strengthen its operational capabilities and contribute decisively to establishing a climate of trust between the parties.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Prime Minister noted: “Mr. President, thank you so much for this very warm welcome today in Ramallah and it’s a real pleasure for me and my delegation to meet you today to discuss very important topics, but also to reaffirm Greece’s long-standing commitment to dialogue, stability and peace in the Middle East.
Let me first of all start by expressing my sincere condolences for the loss of civilian life in Gaza and for the suffering of all the innocent victims and their families. For us, the protection of civilians, respect for international humanitarian law are fundamental principles. My country consistently underlines their importance in its contacts with all the relevant parties.
As you pointed out, we have actively contributed to efforts aimed at alleviating human suffering, including through substantial humanitarian assistance, through financial contributions, through the delivery of relief supplies, in cooperation with international partners operating on the ground. And we stand ready to further contribute, always in coordination with our partners.
Mr. President, I’m the first Prime Minister of a European country to visit Ramallah after the announcement and the signing of the 20-point peace plan for Gaza. And I very much agree with you that this is a credible and workable potential framework for engagement and for addressing the pressing needs on the ground.
For us, the real challenge is how can we help to move to the next steps of implementing this plan, while at the same time contributing to the emergence of a credible political horizon. You know that we have always supported and negotiated the two-state solution, in line with international law, in line with relevant United Nations resolutions, as a basis for a just and lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.
I’m very grateful to the fact that you recognise that Greece can and has a role to play as a credible and respected interlocutor, also leveraging our position on the United Nations Security Council.
You made reference to Resolution 2803, which lays the foundation and the legal foundation for the implementation of the 20-point peace plan. And I want you to rest assured that we will do whatever we can in our capability, as a country that belongs to the region, that understands the region probably better than others, to seize this opportunity and hopefully to move in the desired direction to finally establish a long lasting and durable peace in the Middle East.
I’m very much looking forward to our discussions. As you know, I will be heading to Jerusalem after our meetings. And let me again reiterate our support to the Palestinian Authority, recognising the need for the substantial reforms you are already proceeding, and offer our assistance in whichever way we can to ensure that you also strengthen your own operational capabilities to deliver the necessary reforms for your people.
So again, thank you very much on behalf of my delegation for this very warm welcome”.
