ROME, President Mahmoud Abbas arrived today in Rome, the capital of Italy, for an official visit.

President Abbas is expected to meet with his counterpart, Sergio Mattarella, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and Pope Francis.

The president will brief officials in Italy and the Vatican on the latest developments related to the Palestinian issue, and will discuss bilateral relations and ways to promote them.

The visit comes as part of efforts and coordination made by president Abbas to explain what the Palestinian cause is facing and the Palestinian position.

The president is accompanied by Minister of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs, Riyad al-Malki, advisor to the President for religious affairs and Islamic relations, Mahmoud al-Habbash, Diplomatic Advisor to President Mahmoud Abbas, Majdi Al-Khaldi, Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Churches Affairs in Palestine, Ramzi Khoury, President’s advisor, Mustafa Abu al-Rob, and Palestine’s ambassador to Italy, Abeer Odeh.

The president was received by Giuseppe Fedele, the Italian consul general in Jerusalem, Arab ambassadors accredited to Italy, and staff of the Palestinian embassy in Italy.

Source: Palestinian News & Info Agency