Mamnoon, Abbas Stress On Early Resolution Of Kashmir, Palestine Issues

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Jan, 2017 ) : President Mamnoon Hussain and President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas Tuesday stressed the need for early and just resolution of Palestine and Kashmir issues for peace and prosperity in the region.

The two leaders called upon the international community to urge Israel to halt expansion of settlements and play its due role in resolving the long standing Palestine issue. The two presidents had a one-on-one meeting which was followed by a delegation level meeting.

President Mamnoon said Pakistan and Palestine historically enjoyed close relations which were based on mutually shared warmth and trust for each other. He said the people of Pakistan had great affection for the people of Palestine as well as the Palestinian cause and the new Palestinian Embassy Complex in Islamabad had become another symbol of their friendship.

President Mamnoon underscored that Pakistan had consistently supported the Palestine cause at all forums and would continue to extend all moral and diplomatic support to the Palestinians' quest for an independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

He also lauded the bravery and valour of Palestinians in the face of gross human rights violations and occupation by Israel.

The President said the peoples of Palestine and Kashmir were suffering at the hands of occupying forces.

He also emphasized the need to promote bilateral trade between Pakistan and Palestine. The visiting dignitary thanked President Mamnoon for according warm welcome to him and to his delegation and said that Palestine valued its friendship with Pakistan and was grateful for its support for the cause of Palestine.

Earlier, upon arrival, President Mahmoud Abbas was warmly received by President Mamnoon Hussain at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. Children clad in traditional dress presented bouquets to the visiting dignitary.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Minister for States and Frontier Region Lt. Gen. (Retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch, and Syed Tariq Fatemi Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs were also present during the meeting.

The Palestinian side included Riad N.A. Malki, Foreign Minister, Mahmoud S.A. Alhabbash, Palestine Chief Justice and senior officials. President Mamnoon hosted a banquet in the honour of President Mahmoud Abbas, which was also attended by Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar, Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Ahmed, Minister for Housing Akram Durrani, Services Chiefs and Governor.