Palestinian-Spanish Joint Ministerial Committee Convenes for the First Time in Madrid.

Madrid: Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sánchez chaired the inaugural meeting of the Palestinian-Spanish Joint Ministerial Committee, held at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Prime Minister Mustafa conveyed profound gratitude to the Spanish government and its people, on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas, acknowledging their steadfast partnership with Palestine. He emphasized the potential of the Joint Ministerial Committee to enhance cooperation, fortifying the bonds of friendship and solidarity between the two nations. Furthermore, Mustafa extended heartfelt condolences to the Spanish people, particularly those in Valencia, affected by recent devastating floods, expressing solidarity and hopes for a swift recovery. He highlighted that this Committee symbolizes the strong friendship and shared commitment to cooperative efforts across various sectors, including politics, trade, education, labor, and security. Mustafa e xpressed deep appreciation for Spain's consistent support of the Palestinian people's aspirations for freedom, peace, and justice, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. He lauded Spain's defense of international law and human rights, particularly concerning Palestinian rights on the global stage. Moreover, Mustafa praised Spain's significant role in supporting Palestinian Government initiatives focused on humanitarian aid to Gaza, recovery and reconstruction efforts, financial stability, and institutional reform. He described the dire conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, calling for unified international efforts to confront Israel's policies and secure a ceasefire. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of delivering humanitarian aid to avert famine and displacement while ensuring protection for the Palestinian population. He called for international intervention to counter Israel's annexation intentions, emphasizing these a ctions as threats to international peace and security. Mustafa expressed gratitude to Spain for its historical role in promoting peace since the Madrid Conference and its proactive positions within the European Union. He commended Spain's contributions to the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution and its advocacy for enforcing UN resolutions and holding Israel accountable for violations of international law. Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez reiterated Spain's unwavering commitment to Palestine, emphasizing efforts to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation. He affirmed Spain's support for Palestinian developmental plans and humanitarian assistance to Gaza, highlighting efforts to press for a ceasefire and ensure aid delivery. The meeting concluded with the signing of several memoranda of understanding between the governments of Palestine and Spain, covering cooperation in Labor and Social Economy, Youth and Childhood, Education and Vocational Training, and Agriculture.