WASHINGTON, May 3, 2017 (WAFA) -- Presidents Mahmoud Abbas and Donald Trump said Wednesday that they are committed to work together to reach a historic peace deal between the Palestinians and Israelis.

They said in a joint press conference at the White House that it was important to start a process that will lead to a genuine peace.

Abbas stressed that his strategic choice is to achieve the two-state solution: Palestine on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, to live in security, peace and stability with the State of Israel.

He said that all final status issues could be resolved, including the refugees and prisoners, based on international law and UN resolutions.

He stressed that it is time for Israel to end its 50-year-old occupation of the Palestinian territories.

"We are the only people left in this world under occupation. Israel must recognize the state of Palestine as we recognize the State of Israel," he said.

"We raise our children and grandchildren on a culture of peace, and we seek for them to live in security, freedom and peace like all other children in the world, including Israeli children," he said.

He said that he has faith in the ability of President Trump and his administration to make peace and to end the suffering of the Palestinian people.

"You have the will and desire to achieve this success, and we will be your true partners to achieve a historic peace treaty," he said.

Trump on the other hand said President Abbas has been working for 24 years in a genuine and courageous way to achieve peace.

He stressed his commitment to work with both Palestinians and Israelis to reach a peace agreement between them, pointing out at the same time that the US or any other party cannot impose a solution on any side. He said the Palestinians and Israelis have to work with each other to reach an agreement and he will do everything possible and necessary to facilitate a solution.

Trump also talked about the efforts of his administration to create economic opportunities for the Palestinians through partnership with the private sector, stressing at the same time the depth of the relationship and the special partnership between them.

M.K.