Manila: Palestinian Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin is in the Philippines from Nov. 16 to 21 for the highest-level visit by a Palestinian official since diplomatic relations were established 36 years ago. In a news release on Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Shahin is set to meet Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Shahin and Lazaro are set to discuss regional and international developments, as well as opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. During her visit, Shahin delivered a lecture titled ‘The Palestinian Predicament: Latest Developments in Gaza and the West Bank’ at the Foreign Service Institute. It delved into the current situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The Philippines reaffirmed its long-standing support for a ‘two-state solution,’ which it describes as the only viable path toward achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.