?President Mahmoud Abbas with his host, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas. (WAFA Images / Thayer Ghanayem) 

CARACAS, May 8, 2018 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas thanked Venezuela and its leader Nicolas Maduro on Monday for their support for the Palestinian cause and people, particularly at international forums, and for their charitable work in Palestine.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Maduro a day after arriving in the Latin American country on the first leg of a tour that would also take him to Cuba and Chile, Abbas said he hopes none of the South America countries would move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a step he said if taken would be in violation of international law considering Jerusalem as occupied territory and the capital of the Palestinian state.

He said that he is still committed to a negotiated settlement with Israel based on international resolutions through a multilateral mechanism, while working on advancing the status of Palestine at the United Nations to full membership. Until this happens, he said, the United Nations should provide protection for the Palestinian people living under Israeli occupation.

Maduro on the other hand said Venezuela will continue to support the Palestinian people. He said Venezuela opposes United States policy regarding Jerusalem and considers it illegal.

He said Jerusalem was and will continue to be a Palestinian city and the capital of the Palestinian state.

He expressed hope that the Palestinians and Israelis will return to the negotiating table under United Nations auspices.

Maduro said he agreed with President Abbas to convene a meeting for the joint Palestinian-Venezuelan cabinet, which he said could meet in Caracas in June.

He said he intends to visit Bethlehem in the near future after receiving an invitation from President Abbas.

Venezuela provides scholarships to many Palestinian students and supports the construction of an eye hospital.

Palestine and Venezuela signed two industrial manufacturing agreements.

M.K.