Speaker of Parliament meets with Palestinian President

Speaker of Parliament Abdullah Shahid has met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

At the meeting held at Kurumba Maldives yesterday, Shahid noted the historic and close relations between the two countries. He expressed concern over the conflict in Palestine, and assured President Abbas that Maldives fully supports Palestine. He also mentioned that Maldivians have warm memories of Yasser Arafat’s visit to Maldives.

He noted the government’s efforts to build democracy in the country, and said that much has been achieved in this regard over the past three years. People hope for the establishment of a complete and functioning democratic system in the Maldives.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit Maldives, and thanked Maldives for the warm welcome accorded to him.

He also thanked Maldives for its support to Palestine in its efforts to attain people’s rights, and mentioned that great effort is being put into resolving the conflicts peacefully.

President Abbas said that the acceptance by 132 countries of Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine is of great encouragement to Palestinians, and hopes to achieve progress in peace talks with Israel in the near future.