Palestinian envoy hosts reception

Ambassador of Palestine Ahmed Rabei hosted a reception on the Day of Solidarity with Palestinian people and the 31st Anniversary of the Palestinian Declaration of Independence. This year also marked the 7th anniversary since the United Nations General Assembly granted Palestine Observer State status in the UN.

Ambassador Rabei thanked guests, who included federal ministers, the deputy speaker of the National Assembly, senators, members of the diplomatic corps and civil society.

He read out a message from President Mahmoud Abbas, in which he stated that the time had come for the emancipation of the Palestinian people and their freedom from injustice, oppression and occupation.

The chief guest on the occasion was Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar, who said that Pakistan remains firmly committed to the two-state solution for Palestine and that Pakistan strongly condemns Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and persecution of innocent people.

Traditional Palestinian cuisine was served at the event as the embassy took the opportunity to display various aspects of Palestinian culture, including traditional Arab dances and handicrafts.

National Day of Thailand celebrated

Ambassador of Thailand Pornpop Uampidhaya hosted a reception commemorating the National Day of Thailand featuring performances by artists flown in for the occasion. The festivities included a martial arts performance and coincided with the Thai Food Festival.

Ambassador Uampidhaya said that the bilateral relations with Pakistan began in 1951 and were almost as old as Pakistan. He expressed the hope that the relations would continue to grow.

Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry said that both countries were cooperating across multiple sectors and in various forums. The minister added that bilateral relations between Pakistan and Thailand were on a positive trajectory.

Thai food was served at the reception to the delight of the guests.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2019