President Rinkēvičs: Latvia provides support to Palestinian civilians

On 20 November, President Edgars Rinkēvičs visited the West Bank, where he met with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority.

President Rinkēvičs expressed his condolences to the Palestinian civilians who are victims of the current situation. At the same time, E. Rinkēvičs noted the need to condemn the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas and stressed the importance of the release of hostages.

The parties discussed ways to prevent further violence and humanitarian catastrophe in the region and to support the Palestinians in their humanitarian needs. President of Latvia expressed his support for the continuation of efforts to achieve a political two-state solution and a lasting peace. E. Rinkēvičs also noted that Latvia, as a member of the European Union (EU), was in favour of closer EU-Palestinian political dialogue and supported the conclusion of a fully-fledged EU-Palestinian Association Agreement.

President Rinkēvičs noted Latvia's contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the World Food Programme (WFP) to support the Palestinian civilian population.