NEW YORK, Tuesday, April 25, 2023 (WAFA) – Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister Riyad al-Malki today met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov at the sidelines of the United Nations Security Council debate in New York.

Foreign Minister al-Malki thanked his Russian counterpart Lavrov, who chaired the UNSC quarterly open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, for convening the debate at the high-level ministerial meeting, which reflects the importance attached to the situation in the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem, as well as the gravity of crimes committed by Israel, the occupying power, including those committed by fascist officials and supremacist settlers.

While the solidarity of UNSC Member States with the Palestinian question is important, al-Malki stated, more important is to translate such solidarity into practical steps and measures to implement the United Nations resolutions, provide protection for the Palestinian people and bring Israeli settler-colonialism to an end.

He briefed the top Russian diplomat on the grave human rights violations and crimes committed by Israel and the unprecedented escalation of Israel’s ongoing settler-colonial and apartheid policies against indigenous Palestinian people while pointing to the need to further develop bilateral relations and boost the much-needed humanitarian support to Palestinians.

Foreign Minister Lavrov affirmed his country’s clear position against Israeli violations and on the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination while noting the need to implement international-consensus resolutions, particularly UNSC and UNGA resolutions on the Palestinian question.

He expressed Russia’s unwavering position in support of the Palestinian people and developing bilateral relations.

K.F.