GENEVA, Wednesday, March 2, 2022 (WAFA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Riyad Malki, today met with the President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis, during which they discussed issues of common interest, including the latest developments on the international scene, the situation on the ground, and the continuous Israeli violations and its systematic destruction of the political process with its colonial policies, in addition to cooperation at the international level and developing areas of joint cooperation between their two countries.
Malki briefed Cassis on the latest situation in the occupied territories, specifically in Jerusalem, stressing the need not to allow Israel to exploit the current international crisis to escalate its crimes against the Palestinian people and their rights and destroy every opportunity for a political settlement.
At the same time, he stressed the importance of applying international human rights standards and laws in a comprehensive and non-selective manner.
Malki stressed that President Mahmoud Abbas's speech before the UN General Assembly was clear about readiness to enter into a credible political process and the responsibility of the international community in this regard, while not hesitating to defend the rights of the Palestinian people and use international law to stop any violation committed against them by the occupying power.
He expressed Palestine's appreciation for Switzerland's position on the Palestinian cause, which is consistent with international law and consensus, and its contributions to support development in Palestine, including the support provided to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
He noted the need to expand the fields of cooperation as agreed upon in the previous visits of President Cassis, including trade, information technology, and other vital fields.
The two sides agreed to continue the discussion on all the issues raised while looking forward to holding a session for political and other discussions common between the two sides.
Foreign Minister Malki will conclude his visit to Switzerland with the participation in the meetings of the Human Rights Council.
M.K.
