BUCHAREST, Tuesday, July 19, 2022 – President Mahmoud Abbas today praised the longstanding relations of friendship and cooperation between Palestine and Romania, stressing the importance of further strengthening these ties.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis in Bucharest, President Abbas expressed appreciation for Romania’s political and economic support to Palestinian institutions. He also thanked President Iohannis for Romania’s consistent positions in support of peace in the region and the Palestinian people’s right to freedom and independence.

President Abbas emphasized the importance of implementing previously signed agreements as a step toward reopening a political horizon based on the two-state solution, along the 1967 borders and in accordance with United Nations resolutions. He reiterated that this must lead to an end to the Israeli occupation of the land of the State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, so that all countries in the region may live in peace, security, and good neighborly relations.

He stressed that the current situation is unsustainable, but affirmed that efforts will continue to gain international support for initiatives aimed at preventing further deterioration. “The collapse of the two-state solution will force the region into difficult and complex choices,” he warned.

“Despite everything, we remain ready to engage in any peace effort or initiative based on international legitimacy that leads to peace, security and stability for all, ends the Israeli occupation, and establishes an independent State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital,” said President Abbas.

Earlier, the two leaders held bilateral talks during which President Abbas briefed his Romanian counterpart on the latest developments related to the Palestinian issue, efforts to revive the peace process, ongoing Israeli violations against the Palestinian people and Islamic and Christian holy sites, as well as the dangerous escalation in settlement activities and land confiscation.

The talks were followed by an expanded meeting with both delegations.

President Abbas arrived in Bucharest yesterday on an official visit. During the visit, the two leaders exchanged decorations and gifts.

President Abbas awarded President Iohannis the Grand Collar of the Order of the State of Palestine, in recognition of his role in supporting peace efforts in the Middle East and strengthening relations between Palestine and Romania.

In return, President Iohannis presented President Abbas with the National Order of the Star of Romania, in appreciation of his efforts to enhance friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

President Abbas is expected to leave Romania later today and travel to France, where he is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron tomorrow.