Europe Asia News

Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Varsen Ağabekyan Şahin met with Dom Virgilio do Nascimento Antunes, Bishop of Coimbra and President of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, during her official visit to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.

The meeting addressed the political and humanitarian situation in Palestine as well as the challenges facing Christians in the country.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the difficulties faced by the Palestinian people as a result of Israel's policies and practices, the development of dialogue and cooperation, and the role of the Church and religious institutions in safeguarding justice, peace, humanitarian solidarity and human dignity.

Şahin drew particular attention to the situation of Christians in Palestine, noting a significant decline in the Christian population due to occupation policies and practices. Stating that political, economic and social conditions are driving Palestinians, including Christians, to leave their country and emigrate, Şahin emphasized that Palestinian Christians are an inseparable part of the Palestinian people.

Pointing to the importance of preserving the Christian presence in Palestine, particularly in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and other Palestinian territories, Şahin said it is one of the fundamental elements of the historical, cultural and religious identity of Palestine and the Holy Land.

Şahin also called on the international community, the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, churches and Christian organizations in different parts of the world to make greater efforts to preserve the Christian presence in Palestine, protect Christian and Muslim holy sites and address violations resulting from occupation practices.

Şahin said solidarity with Christians in Palestine should not be limited solely to the religious or humanitarian dimension, stressing that preserving the Christian presence is directly linked to safeguarding the rights of the entire Palestinian people.

The meeting also addressed the severe humanitarian conditions facing the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip. Şahin said the war had caused a large-scale humanitarian crisis among civilians and extensive destruction across different areas of life, adding that the international community must act effectively to protect civilians and bring an end to the suffering.

Şahin also emphasized the importance of establishing a genuine political horizon that would enable the achievement of a just and lasting peace.

President of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference Antunes also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and voiced concern over the challenges facing Christians and the decline in the Christian population in the Holy Land.

Antunes highlighted the importance of defending the Christian presence and the rights of the Palestinian people, as well as bringing the problems faced by Palestinians to the attention of the international community. He said initiatives that contribute to security, peace and justice in the region should be strengthened.

During the meeting, the parties agreed to continue dialogue and communication between Palestinian institutions and the Portuguese Episcopal Conference and to strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding in line with the values of peace, justice, coexistence and respect for human dignity.