Saeb Erekat, secretary general of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), discussed with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19.
“Russia recognizes Palestine and is committed to a just peace,” said Erekat in a tweet, adding that the Russian official reiterated his country’s opposition to Israeli annexation of parts of the occupied Palestinian territories.
The two official also spoke about Russia’s support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and “the common threat of COVID-19,” said Erekat.
A statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry said Bogdanov and Erekat discussed during a phone call initiated by the Palestinian side the conditions in the Palestinian territories, the horizon of the Palestinian-Israeli settlement based on international laws, and establishing direct dialogue between the two sides with the assistance of the International Quartet.
It said that the discussion focused “in particular on combating the pandemic and the measures taken by the Russian and Palestinian authorities to stop its spread and neutralize its negative effects.”
Erekat also held a telephone conversation with Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney during which they discussed Israel’s annexation plans and COVID-19.
“Ireland is a great advocate for multilateralism and a rules-based world order,” said Erekat in a tweet. “Ireland opposes annexation and colonization of Palestinian territory. We appreciate Irish and European support to UNRWA and against COVID-9.”
