9.10.2008

President of Palestine, Mahamoud Abbas arrived in the island a short while ago. He was warmly welcomed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his arrival at the airport.

The Palestinian President will hold talks with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and several ministers of the Government pertaining to issues of bilateral interest during his two day stay .
He will also be visiting Syria before returning home.

Mahmoud Abbas was born on March 26, 1935. He was elected as the President of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) on January 9, 2005, and assumed office on January 15, 2005.

He was key figure behind the forming of the Fatah movement.