Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary will today [28 April] host
Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in London, marking the first
official Palestinian Authority Prime Ministerial visit to the UK
since 2021.
The invitation reflects the UK's steadfast support for the
Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people at a critical
juncture in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and desire to
further strengthen bilateral relations.
The Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister Mustafa will sign a
landmark Memorandum of Understanding enshrining their commitment
to advancing Palestinian statehood as part of a two-state
solution. It will also stress that the Palestinian
Authority is the only legitimate governing entity in the Occupied
Palestinian Territories, and underlines the importance of
reunifying Gaza and the West Bank under its authority. The MoU
will also underscore the commitment of the Palestinian Authority
to deliver its reform agenda as a matter of priority.
Alongside this, the UK will announce a package of support for the
Occupied Palestinian Territories, expected to include £101m
directed at humanitarian relief, support for Palestinian
economic development, and strengthening Palestinian
Authority governance and reform.
The UK and PA will also agree on a coordinated approach to Gaza's
future, building on Arab and Palestinian-led initiatives. The UK
will make clear that Hamas must immediately release the hostages
and relinquish control of Gaza.
The strengthening of the UK-Palestinian partnership represents a
key component of the UK government's Plan for Change, as it works
to support long-term peace and security in the Middle East. By
working even more closely with the Palestinian Authority, the UK
is demonstrating its commitment to the two-state solution as the
best option for a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and
sovereign Palestinian state.
Foreign Secretary said:
"This visit marks a significant step in strengthening our
relationship with the Palestinian Authority - a key partner for
peace in the Middle East - at a critical moment.
"The UK is clear that there can be no role for Hamas in the
future of Gaza and we are committed to working with the
Palestinian Authority as the only legitimate governing entity in
the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
“We will not give up on the two-state solution, with a
Palestinian state and Israel living side-by-side in peace,
dignity and security. I reaffirm the UK's commitment to
recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to that
process, at a time that has the greatest impact.”
During the visit Prime Minister Mustafa will outline the
Palestinian Authority's reform programme which focuses on
strengthening financial sustainability, enhancing governance
transparency, and improving service delivery to Palestinian
citizens.
Notes to editors
- This is the first official Palestinian Authority Prime
Ministerial visit to the UK since former Prime Minister Mohammad
Shtayyeh visited Glasgow in 2021 for COP 26.
- Memorandum of Understanding: The MoU establishes a new
framework for UK-Palestinian cooperation which
will reiterate both parties' commitment to the two-state
solution, and pursue further cooperation in areas including
economic development, trade and security.
- This comes as Lord Collins is also due to attend the UN
Security Council Middle East Peace Process meeting on Tuesday
where he will re-affirm the UK position on progressing towards a
long-term peace in the region.
- The funding announcement is single-year (FY25/26) and future
funding is subject to the ongoing Spending Review.
