Ramallah:Vice President of the State of Palestine, Hussein al-Sheikh, held a meeting with Belgium's Consul General to the State of Palestine, Ambassador Anick Van Calster, and Deputy Consul General Nadia Benini to discuss recent political and field developments and several mutual concerns.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency - WAFA - English, the discussions in Ramallah focused on the political, security, and economic situation in the West Bank and Jerusalem, particularly in light of ongoing settler attacks, settlement expansion, and Israeli actions affecting Palestinians and their property. Al-Sheikh highlighted the severe economic and living conditions resulting from the withholding of Palestinian funds and its impact on the Palestinian government's ability to fulfill its obligations.
Additionally, the meeting covered preparations for the upcoming Palestinian elections. Al-Sheikh emphasized the importance of conducting these elections according to legal and constitutional guidelines to ensure their integrity and transparency, thereby strengthening Palestinian democratic life and the unity of the political system and national institutions.
Al-Sheikh expressed appreciation for Belgium's support of the Palestinian people, underscoring the significance of continued cooperation and coordination to protect the Palestinian people, enhance their resilience, and empower national institutions.
The discussion also addressed the ongoing Israeli conflict in the Gaza Strip and its catastrophic humanitarian impact. Al-Sheikh called for intensified international efforts to end the conflict, alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, and initiate recovery and reconstruction that maintains the unity of Palestinian land, people, and political system.
Ambassador Van Calster reaffirmed Belgium's ongoing support for the Palestinian people and commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation with Palestinian institutions across various sectors.