FM Malki holds discussions with Brazilian counterpart in Ramallah

RAMALLAH: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Riyad Al-Malki, today received his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira in Ramallah, during which he expressed gratitude to the government and people of Brazil for their supportive position with the Palestinian cause, appreciating the courageous stance of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his permanent commitment to stand with the Palestinian people. Malki also briefed his Brazilian counterpart on the latest developments in the Palestinian arena and the Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip which has been ongoing for six months. He pointed out that Israel, the occupying power, is using famine as a weapon of war as it continues to prevent humanitarian aid entry, alongside the shortage of water and medicines. The top Palestinian diplomat added that the situation in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, is not less dangerous than that in the Gaza Strip, noting that terrorist colonists attack Palestinian cities, villages and communit ies and destroy, burn and kill Palestinians, all under the protection of the Israeli army. Minister Malki stressed the importance of strengthening and deepening the relationship between the two friendly countries by signing trade agreements and forming a joint ministerial committee, stressing the necessity of raising the level of Brazilian representation in Palestine to an embassy. For his part, the Brazilian Foreign Minister affirmed his country's endless support for the rights of the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination, adding that the two-state solution is indispensable. He affirmed that Brazil rejects the genocide taking place in the Gaza Strip, expressing astonishment that international organizations have failed to end the war till now. He also stressed the necessity of stopping the war of genocide and allowing humanitarian aid to enter the Strip. The Brazilian minister also stressed the important role of UNRWA and the necessity of continuing to support it, stressing that the wo rk of an entire organization should not be stopped. He affirmed that Brazil will increase the volume of its aid this year to UNRWA. Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA