Palestinian people have been tired of UN resolutions and promises, says Ambassador Ahmed Rabei

Mr. Ahmed Rabei - Ambassador of Palestine

An Interview with the ambassador of Palestine in Pakistan – H E Mr. Ahmed Rabei

Q: Excellency, how does Palestine see the regional situation developed recently after Taliban took charge of Kabul?

Ambassador: Palestine does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries nor its people. We observe the development in the region, mainly the Afghan’s affair—it’s an internal Afghani matter. Afghans are free to choose who represents them, and the international community should support and recognize the option that Afghans decide. International community must recognize the chosen government that represents the people of Afghanistan as long as it follows the international laws and respects human rights.

Q: What are the priorities of Palestine in region and relations with Pakistan and the world at large?

Ambassador: Palestine looks forward to a more secure and stable situation in the country, and a good relation with neighboring countries. Our brotherly relationship with the Republic of Pakistan gets stronger every day. We do believe in the Pakistani vision that is fully aligned with United Nations resolutions and the international community in addressing all outstanding problems in the region in general.

Q: It is said that new block emerging in the region coalition of some Islamic countries, China and Russia. Will you be part of it? Your take on it!

Ambassador: We are with any international or regional coalition that seeks to bring security, political and economic stability, and regional peace, to restore rights to their owners. We support coalitions that combat injustice, stand against terrorism practiced against oppressed and vulnerable people, usurp peoples’ freedom and right to self-determination.

Q: What spheres do you see Pakistan and Palestine collaborating in?

Ambassador: In general, there are many areas in which Pakistan and Palestine can build a partnership and prospects that bring together the two brotherly people. For example, but not limited to, political partnership in many files of common interest, cultural, media, experiences and economic exchange.

Q:  Pakistan is establishing new ways to expand trade and cooperation in this era. What is current status with Palestine?

Ambassador: Our heartfelt wishes for Pakistan to grow and improve its economy and solidify its political, commercial and economic positions among nations, to ensure a prosperous future for its people. This will undoubtedly reflect positively on our Palestinian people. Pakistan has always played a pioneering leadership role in support of Palestine.

Q6: What is the current status of bilateral ties between Pakistan and Palestine?

Ambassador: We have a very strong bond between the two countries. Pakistan has been always supporting the Palestinian cause and their right to freedom. We are working towards building the trade relation between the two countries. Pakistan provides many scholarships for our students.

Q: Please, tell me what are your priorities, when United Arabs Emirates and some other countries are having ties with Israel?

Ambassador: Our policy is never to interfere on other countries affairs. However, we stand strong that normalization with the Israeli occupier in the current circumstances is not in the interest of the Palestinians and the Palestinian cause.

The Palestinian position depends on the Arab Peace Initiative, which was adopted by all Arab and Islamic countries as a peace initiative, stressing that the normalization of relations with Israel will take place only after Israel withdraws from the occupied Arab lands, establishes an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, and finds a just solution to the Palestinian refugee issue within UN Resolution 194 and international legitimacy resolutions

Normalization with Israel undermines long decades of the Palestinian sacrifices made in our path of liberation and the attainment of our legitimate rights.

Q: For how long Pakistan can play a role in peace development in gulf and engagement with Palestine?

Ambassador: We believe that Pakistan is a strong and influential country, which makes it a major and powerful player in resolving the Middle East conflict. Its distinguished relations with most countries in the region mean Pakistan is well placed to support peace.

Q: President of Palestine in his speech at the recent UN general assembly session has given one-year deadline to Israel to leave Palestinian regime. How do you see this announcement and there is different news in the media? Your take, please.

Ambassador: Palestinian people and government have reached a stage in which they are tired of rhetoric and promises, UN resolutions, and regional initiatives for decades, which have not been able to resolve reality of the Palestinian struggle.

But we are still counting on the free people of the world to be able to end the Israeli occupation and atrocities towards Palestinians.

Israel must submit to international resolutions and the signed peace agreements.

Q: What is your stance on Kashmir?

Ambassador: We support We support human rights in all the world, we are against injustice, we are with justice, and with peace in all parts of the world, and we support all the international legitimacy resolutions issued by it. The United Nations has announced their final word on it through its numerous resolutions. There is no solution but to return to international legitimacy and implement United Nations resolutions.

Q:  What is current trade volume between two countries?

Ambassador: We are working on building a strong business relationship between the two countries to start the investment and trade. Exhibitions will be organized soon and we will be very proud to see Pakistani products on our shelves and vice versa.

Ambassador: Palestinian have so much respect to their brothers in Pakistan. The unity between the two countries is growing deeper every day.

I want to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the people and the government of Pakistan for their remarkable efforts to support Palestine.