BEIRUT, May 22, 2025 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas met today with the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, at the Second Presidency headquarters in Ayn al-Tineh, Beirut.

President Abbas expressed his deep appreciation for Lebanon’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause in all international forums, particularly its backing of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, the right of return, and the two-state solution — a path he described as essential for ending Palestinian suffering and achieving stability in the region.

He also reaffirmed the strong historical and fraternal ties between Palestine and Lebanon, voicing his commitment to further strengthening these relations for the mutual benefit of both nations and peoples.

President Abbas emphasized that the Palestinian people in Lebanon are temporary guests until they return to their homeland, reiterating Palestine's full respect for Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He also stressed that refugee camps in Lebanon are under the sovereignty of the Lebanese state and military, and that there should be no weapons outside the authority of the state.

During the meeting, President Abbas briefed Speaker Berri on the dire situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the ongoing Israeli genocide, which has resulted in the murder of tens of thousands of civilians — the majority of them women and children — as well as the continued Israeli siege and starvation policies in Gaza, and the ongoing Israeli aggression and settlement expansion in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem.

President Abbas commended Lebanon’s efforts to fulfill its international obligations and maintain national security, stability, and sovereignty.

The two leaders agreed to form a joint committee to further enhance bilateral relations and to work on improving the conditions of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.

M.N