ROME, July 03, 2008, (WAFA)-Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said on Thursday that the first and primary goal of the Italian external policy is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside with the state of Israel.

In a statement to WAFA in the Headquarter of the Italian Foreign Ministry on eve of his forthcoming visit to the Palestinian Territories, Frattini said that the Italian external policy is interested in the developments of the Middle East peace process and establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

FM added that 'my message to the Palestinian leadership is that the Palestinian state should be established, independent and free alongside with the state of Israel. We are ready to work and provide strong political support to Palestinian leadership under the leadership of President Abu Mazen and cooperate with the government of the Palestinian National Authority PNA.'

FM Frattini stressed the significant of supporting the Palestinian economy and the community with the cooperation with the PNA or through the EU or through the mutual relations.