Mamnoon, Mahmoud stress early resolution of Palestine & Kashmir issues for peace

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – President Mamnoon Hussain and President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas have 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. They agreed on this during a meeting at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Tuesday. The two Presidents had one-on-one meeting which was followed by a delegation level meeting. President Mamnoon Hussain said that Pakistan and Palestine have historically enjoyed close relations which are based on mutually shared warmth and trust for each other. He stated that the people of Pakistan have great affection for the people of Palestine as well as the Palestinian cause adding that the new Palestinian Embassy Complex in Islamabad has become another symbol of our friendship. President Mamnoon Hussain underscored that Pakistan has consistently supported the Palestinian cause at all forums and would continue to extend all moral and diplomatic support to the Palestinian peoples’ quest for an independent state with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. The President lauded the bravery and valor of Palestinians in the face of gross human rights violations and occupation by Israel. He said that the peoples of Palestine and Kashmir are suffering at the hands of occupying forces. The President emphasized the need to promote bilateral trade between Pakistan and Palestine. The visiting dignitary thanked President Mamnoon Hussain for according a warm welcome to him and to his delegation and said that Palestine values its friendship with Pakistan and is grateful for its support for the cause of Palestine. Earlier on his 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. Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Lt Gen (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch, Federal Minister for States and Frontier Region and Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs were also present during the meeting. The Palestinian side included Riad NA Malki, Foreign Minister, Mahmoud SA Alhabbash, Palestine Chief Justice and senior officials.