BUCHAREST, Monday, July 18, 2022 – President Mahmoud Abbas arrived today in the Romanian capital, Bucharest, for a two-day official visit.

He was welcomed at the airport by senior Romanian officials, Arab ambassadors, and staff from the Palestinian embassy in Romania.

During his visit, President Abbas is scheduled to meet Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and Prime Minister Nicolae Ionel Ciucă to discuss political developments in the region and ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Palestine and Romania.

Immediately upon arrival, President Abbas headed to the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier, where he laid a wreath in tribute to Romania’s fallen soldiers. He then signed the guest book at the monument.

In his written note, President Abbas stated:"At the beginning of my visit to Romania, I made sure to lay a wreath at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier as a gesture of appreciation and respect for the sons and daughters of the friendly Romanian people who sacrificed their lives defending their homeland, its dignity, independence, and sovereignty throughout Romania’s long history, so that its flag may remain high and its people live proudly in the land of their ancestors."

He continued: "On this occasion, we reaffirm our pride in the friendship and cooperation between our two countries and peoples, bound by longstanding historic ties. We wish Romania and its friendly people continued progress and prosperity."

He concluded with the words:"Long live Romanian-Palestinian friendship. Long live Romania, and long live Palestine."