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Belgium to enhance Palestinian representation in Brussels

Belgian foreign minister Didier Reynders with Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Malki
Belgian foreign minister Didier Reynders with Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Malki
RUSSELS, Nov 8 (KUNA) -- Belgian foreign minister Didier Reynders announced Thursday that the status of the Palestinian Representation in Brussels will be enhanced.
The move is in order to facilitate the dialogue between Belgium and the Palestinian authorities, and to reflect the growing intensity of relations between the Palestinian Representation and the European institutions, noted a Belgian foreign ministry press release tonight.
This came following a meeting between Reynders and Belgian Minister for Development Cooperation Alexander De Croo with Dr. Riyad al-Malki, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Palestinian Authority.
The meeting allowed the ministers to address a whole series of bilateral questions, including development cooperation.
Also the Middle East Peace Process and the Belgian priorities at the United Nations Security Council were discussed, said the press release.
They agreed that it was essential to preserve the viability of a two-state Solution and condemned unilateral measures and acts of violence which could undermine this perspective.
The situation in Gaza was also discussed at length. The two parties agreed on the importance of intra-Palestinian reconciliation, noted the statement.
They called for the end of the Israeli blockade in Gaza and the opening of border crossings.
Reynders recalled his firm support to multilateralism and to the role of the United Nations in the negotiation of a durable peace in the Middle East. He also presented the priorities of Belgium during its mandate at the United Nations Security Council in 2019-2020. (end) nk.sd