Kuala lumpur: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan today engaged in significant bilateral meetings with his Palestinian and Algerian counterparts, taking place on the sidelines of the 23rd Extraordinary Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad reaffirmed Malaysia's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause during his meeting with Palestine's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shaheen. He emphasized that the cause remains a crucial matter for Malaysians, promising continued solidarity and backing for the Palestinian people on international platforms. The discussions highlighted Malaysia's ongoing commitment to its relationship with Palestine, including support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and Palestinian non-governmental organizations.
Dr. Aghabekian Shaheen provided Mohamad with insights into the dire conditions faced by Palestinians in occupied territories. She discussed the severe challenges, including ongoing genocide, killings, and starvation in the Gaza Strip. Concerns were also raised about the lack of humanitarian aid and issues with crossing points that hinder the delivery of essential supplies. Shaheen further pointed out the rising terrorist activities by settlers in the West Bank and Jerusalem, which pose a threat to the Palestinian presence in the region.
In a separate meeting, Mohamad and Algerian Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Attaf focused on fostering bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between Malaysia and Algeria. Discussions involved Malaysian investments in Algeria and the establishment of a direct air link between Algiers and Kuala Lumpur, following the launch of the inaugural Air Alg©rie flight scheduled for March 29, 2026. Both ministers agreed on the necessity of holding official-level discussions next year to solidify concrete measures aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
The dialogue between the two countries highlighted growing people-to-people connections, bolstered by increasing Malaysian investments in Algeria and the new direct air link, which is expected to further deepen relations.