Abbas calls on African countries to continue support for Palestinians

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called on African leaders not to build relations with Israel at the expense of the Palestinian cause.

Addressing the 28th summit of the African Union (AU) in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, Abbas said: “We know that you have interests and that Israel is seeking to make relations with the states of your continent. But we urge you that this should not be done at the expense of the just cause of our Palestinian people, which still needs your help to get rid of the abhorrent Israeli occupation.”

Abbas thanked the AU’s support of the State of Palestine at international forums, expressing hope that Africa would continue to support the people of Palestine towards freedom, sovereignty and independence.

The president said Palestine is always ready to establish economic and development partnerships and exchange of experiences with African countries in the framework of cooperation to serve the common interests of both sides.

Abbas also said that Palestine is ready to fully cooperate with the African Union and its member states to combat terrorism.