The primary purpose of President Mahmoud Abbas' visit is to discuss the Middle East peace process with the head of the EU presiding member state Lithuania. Before his visit to Lithuania, the Palestinian leader held meetings with Pope Francis and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
President Dalia Grybauskaitė underlined that the European Union supports the decision of Palestine and Israel to sit down at the negotiating table. Peace talks that broken down a few years ago were renewed last August.
"The Middle East peace process must continue. Peace talks are the only way to bring to an end the decades-long conflict between Palestine and Israel. It is a historic opportunity for both nations to ensure peace and stability in the region. The European Union strongly supports a peaceful two-state solution, which would enable Israel and Palestine to live side-by-side in peace and security," the President said.
According to the President, both sides must abstain from any moves that are likely to ruin a successful peace process. She called on Israel to end the expansion of settlements in the occupied territories. The European Union does not recognize settlements as part of Israel, the President noted. Such actions by Israel impair the progress of peace talks.
Dalia Grybauskaitė pointed out that the European Union is ready to back the implementation of all agreements reached by the countries during their negotiations.
The meeting also touched on bilateral relations between Lithuania and Palestine. The President stressed that Lithuania speaks in favor of democratic processes and the development of civil society in Palestine, and contributes to providing humanitarian assistance to refugees under the EU and UN projects.
Lithuania has implemented five bilateral education and training projects in Palestine since 2009. The projects contributed to strengthening bilateral relations of non-governmental organizations, organizing internships for Palestinian diplomats and election commission members in Lithuania, and promoting scientific and cultural cooperation of young people.
