Jerusalem: Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kestutis Budrys, and his delegation, alongside Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, to discuss recent developments and enhance cooperation in digital transformation and clean energy.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Prime Minister updated the Lithuanian delegation on the situation in the Palestinian territories, focusing on the escalating colonist terrorism and crimes committed by the occupation against Palestinians. He expressed gratitude for Lithuania's supportive stance on Palestinian rights and efforts to bolster cooperation with Palestinian institutions.
The Prime Minister highlighted a recent joint declaration involving the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, the Ministry of Local Government, the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). This declaration aims to establish the Palestinian Government Innovation Lab as a platform for innovation and digital transformation, translating national digital strategies into projects that enhance government services and foster private sector partnerships.
The economic challenges in Palestine were also a topic of discussion, with the Prime Minister emphasizing the impact of Israel's withholding of Palestinian tax revenues and a 30% decline in GDP. He pointed out rising unemployment rates due to Israeli restrictions and reiterated calls for international pressure to stop the occupation's actions, including the theft of Palestinian funds and attempts to undermine Palestinian institutions.
The Prime Minister urged the international community to intensify involvement in relief and recovery efforts, especially in the Gaza Strip, where humanitarian conditions are worsening due to delayed recovery plans and ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Budrys confirmed his country's support for the establishment of a Palestinian state and the rights of the Palestinian people, based on international law and UN resolutions. He expressed readiness to enhance bilateral cooperation in digital transformation and renewable energy sectors.