A handout photo made available by Chigi Palace Press Office shows Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (R) greeting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (C) during his visit to the Chigi Palace, in Rome, Italy, 13 December 2024. EFE/EPA/FILIPPO ATTILI/PALAZZO CHIGI HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

Meloni defends the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine

Rome, Dec 13 (EFE).- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni received Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Rome on Friday and highlighted the need to reach a “lasting political solution” based on a two-state solution.

According to an Italian government statement, she confirmed her country’s commitment to a “lasting political solution based on the two states of Israel and Palestine” so that they can “coexist in peace and security for both.”

A handout photo made available by Chigi Palace Press Office shows Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (2-R) welcoming Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (2-L) at the Chigi Palace, in Rome, Italy, 13 December 2024. EFE/EPA/FILIPPO ATTILI/PALAZZO CHIGI HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

She also underlined that her government is willing to play a “frontline” role to stabilize and strengthen Palestinian institutions.

A handout photo made available by Chigi Palace Press Office shows Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (R) walking with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during their meeting at the Chigi Palace, in Rome, Italy, 13 December 2024. EFE/EPA/FILIPPO ATTILI/PALAZZO CHIGI HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

Meloni pledged Italy’s commitment “in all Palestinian sectors,” particularly with the “Food for Gaza” initiative.

A handout photo made available by Chigi Palace Press Office shows Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (R) shaking hands with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during their meeting at the Chigi Palace, in Rome, Italy, 13 December 2024. EFE/EPA/FILIPPO ATTILI/PALAZZO CHIGI HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

On an official visit to Rome, Abbas met Pope Francis for half an hour on Thursday before meeting the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

The Holy See said that the meeting, described as “cordial,” highlighted the Catholic Church’s contribution to Palestinian society in support of the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and that they hope for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages as soon as possible.

A handout photo made available by Chigi Palace Press Office shows Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (R) and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attending a meeting at the Chigi Palace, in Rome, Italy, 13 December 2024. EFE/EPA/FILIPPO ATTILI/PALAZZO CHIGI HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas thanked the Pope for “his positions in favor of achieving a just peace in Palestine based on the two-state solution, his call for a ceasefire in Gaza, the entry of aid into the Strip and hospitals, schools and places of worship to enjoy all the necessary protection,” according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. EFE

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