Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Syrian Vice President Farouk al-Shara at the People's Palace in Damascus today, in a significant diplomatic engagement between the two leaderships.

According to the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA), President Abbas congratulated the Syrian leadership on its achievements in building "the new Syria" envisioned by its people, expressing wishes for continued stability and prosperity under national unity.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Bilateral Relations

   • Reviewed avenues to strengthen historic Palestinian-Syrian ties

   • Agreed to form joint committees for enhanced cooperation across sectors

2. Palestinian Situation

   • Discussed developments in Palestinian territories

   • Emphasized priority of:

     • Immediate Gaza ceasefire

     • Humanitarian/medical aid delivery

     • Full Israeli withdrawal

     • Palestinian civil/security control in Gaza

3. International Efforts

   • Coordinating with Saudi Arabia, U.S., Arab and European partners

   • Preparing for:

     • Two-state solution implementation

     • International peace conference (June, New York)

     • Based on international legitimacy

4. Historical Ties

   • Abbas acknowledged Syria's historic hosting of Palestinian refugees

   • Emphasized "eternal brotherly relations" between both peoples

Humanitarian Focus:
The leaders stressed urgent needs for:

• Unimpeded aid access to Gaza

• Reconstruction without displacement

• Medical treatment for wounded

Next Steps:
Both parties agreed to maintain continuous coordination and consultation mechanisms.