ABBAS LEAVES SAUDI ARABIA AFTER CONCLUDING OFFICIAL VISIT

Riyadh, 5 Jumadil Awwal 1436/24 February 2015 (MINA) – President Mahmoud Abbas concluded an official visit to Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, on Monday, where he met with  the new King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Abbas arrived early Monday to Riyadh, where he met with the Saudi king, who affirmed his country’s continued support to the Palestinian Authority at all levels.

King Salman affirmed Saudi Arabia’s fixed position in support of the Palestinian issue and the Palestinian people’s right to establish their own independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, WAFA Palestinian News Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The king called on the international community to uphold their responsibilities and provide the Palestinian people with the necessary protection against Israel’s repeated attacks.

An official welcoming ceremony was held in his honor at the King Khalid International Airport, where he was also received by Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the country’s deputy prime minister, and Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, the governor of Riyadh Region.

The Palestinian leader was also received by Mohammad bin Abdulrahman Al-Tubaishi, president of Royal Protocol, Ibrahim bin Mohammad Al-Sultan, the mayor of Riyadh Region and Palestinian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Basem Abdullah Al-Agha.

Abbas was on a brief visit to the country and left the country later Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Abbas expressed his great appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s position in support of Palestine.(T/R05/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)