LONDON, September 8, 2025 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas met today with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper in London, during which they discussed the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territory and bilateral relations between the State of Palestine and the United Kingdom.
The President expressed his appreciation for the positions of the British government, particularly its efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and reject colonial settlement activity and colonists’ violence. President Abbas further commended the United Kingdom’s serious engagement in advancing the two-state solution.
The President of the State of Palestine also praised the historic decision by the United Kingdom of its intentions to recognize the State of Palestine before the upcoming International Peace Conference in New York later this month, describing it as a corrective step to a historical injustice that opens up new prospects for achieving peace.
The President emphasized the current Palestinian priorities, which include an immediate and lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ensuring full access for humanitarian aid to its population, the release of hostages and prisoners, the withdrawal of occupation forces, and the commencement of early recovery and reconstruction efforts.
President Abbas reaffirmed that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the State of Palestine, stressing that the State of Palestine will assume full responsibility in Gaza with the backing of Arab and international partners.
The President also reiterated the State of Palestine’s commitments regarding reform measures, including education and the establishment of a unified social welfare system, affirming that Hamas will not govern the day after the war and will hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, as the State of Palestine is committed to establishing an unarmed state, a commitment, he emphasized, was outlined in the letter sent to the presidency of the International Peace Conference in New York.
President Abbas noted that preparations are underway to hold legislative and presidential elections within one year following the end of the war. He stressed that any party or candidate wishing to participate in the elections must adhere to the political program and international commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), respect international legitimacy, and uphold the principle of one authority, one law, and one legitimate security force.
President Abbas also reiterated his readiness to work with the United Kingdom and reaffirmed Palestine’s commitment to peace, the two-state solution, and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in security, stability, peace, and good neighborliness.
The meeting was attended by Head of the PLO’s International Relations Department, Ziad Abu Amr, the President’s Diplomatic Affairs Advisor, Majdi al-Khalidi, and Palestine’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Husam Zomlot.
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