Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Thursday, 15 June 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 29 June 2023. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 June 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

China: Palestinian Authority

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the ‘strategic partnership’ signed between government of China and the Palestinian Authority during President Mahmoud Abbas’ visit to Beijing on 14 June and whether it will affect UK policy in the region; and what assessment they have made of the impact the ‘strategic partnership’ will have on the role of international mediators in the Middle East peace process, including the UK.

Answer: We closely monitor the security situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) and are aware of the strategic partnership signed between China and the Palestinian Authority (PA). The UK continues to urge the Israeli and Palestinian leadership to engage in meaningful dialogue to further the cause of peace at every opportunity. I, as Minister for the Middle East, met with Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riad Malki on 5 May. I reaffirmed the UK's commitment to the Middle East peace process and the two state solution. The UK engages with the Palestinian Authority at the highest levels through the British Consulate General Jerusalem and at ministerial level.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL8542
Session: 2022-23
Subjects: China Foreign relations Palestinian Authority Middle East Peace negotiations
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk