ROME, December 13, 2025 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine met on Saturday with Secretary of the Italian Democratic Party Elly Schlein at his residence in the Italian capital, Rome.

The meeting addressed the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as bilateral relations between the State of Palestine and Italy.

President Abbas emphasized the deep ties of friendship and cooperation between Palestine and Italy and their peoples, based on mutual respect. He expressed his appreciation for the Democratic Party’s efforts and positions in support of the Palestinian people’s rights to freedom and independence, renewing his thanks to Italy for its continued support in building the institutions of the State of Palestine.

The President reaffirmed that parliamentary and presidential elections will be held within one year after the end of the war, noting that recent events have demonstrated that the absence of an independent Palestinian state is not only a historical injustice to the Palestinian people but also one of the root causes of instability in the region.

President Abbas was accompanied by PLO Executive Committee member Ziad Abu Amr, Presidential Advisor for Diplomatic Affairs Majdi Khaldi, and Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Italy Mona Abuamara.

M.N