LONDON: President Mahmoud Abbas discussed the latest developments in the Occupied Palestinian Territories with King Harald V of Norway on Thursday.

Abbas recognized Norway’s financial, humanitarian, and development assistance to the Palestinian people, which ultimately led to the diplomatic recognition of a Palestinian state in May 2024.

Abbas discussed with King Harald the serious situation in the Palestinian regions of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. He warned of the ongoing Israeli “policy of genocidal aggression, blockade and starvation against the Palestinian people,” in Gaza, according to the Wafa news agency.

He said that the Israeli government’s actions aim to weaken Palestinian institutions and hinder the two-state solution.

The meeting at the Royal Palace in Oslo included PLO Executive Committee Member Ziad Abu Amr, Presidential Diplomatic Adviser Majdi Al-Khalidi, and Ambassador Marie Antoinette Sedin, the representative of the State of Palestine to Norway.

Abbas is on a two-day official visit to strengthen ties and discuss developments in Palestine and the region, Wafa added.