Bethlehem/PNN /

Dr. Ramzi Khouri, Member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, met with French Consul General Nicolas Kassianides, accompanied by Advisor for Religious Affairs at the French Consulate, Manuella Affejee. The meeting was attended by Committee member Dr. Samir Hzboun, Director of the Committee’s Office in Bethlehem Jihad Khair, and Director of Public Relations and Media Raed Hanania.

During the meeting, Dr. Khouri briefed the French Consul General on the work and mandate of the Higher Presidential Committee, highlighting the official national efforts undertaken by the State of Palestine—under the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas—to protect Christian holy sites in the Holy Land and to preserve the authentic and historic Christian presence in Palestine.

Dr. Khouri emphasized the vital role of the international community in safeguarding holy sites and religious heritage, expressing his appreciation for France’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people and its recognition of the State of Palestine.

For his part, Consul General Kassianides commended the official Palestinian efforts in this regard, affirming France’s commitment to the protection of holy sites, the preservation of religious heritage, and the strengthening of the Christian presence in the Holy Land. He also stressed the importance of continued cooperation and coordination between the two sides in pursuit of these shared objectives.