RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE” HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO —EDITORIAL USE ONLY—

SHOTLIST:

ROME, ITALY (DEC. 12, 2025) (ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE – RESTRICTED)

1. VARIOUS OF ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI GREETING PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD ABBAS AND OFFICIAL WELCOMING CEREMONY AT CHIGI PALACE

2. VARIOUS OF PRIME MINISTER MELONI AND PRESIDENT ABBAS SHAKING HANDS, POSING FOR CAMERAS, SITTING TOGETHER FOR MEETING ROME, ITALY - DEC. 12: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on Italy to recognize the State of Palestine during an official visit to Rome on Friday, Dec. 12, urging the European nation to continue supporting the two-state solution.

Abbas met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Chigi Palace before attending the "Atreju" political festival organized by Meloni's Brothers of Italy party.

Introducing Abbas at the festival, Meloni stated that his presence highlighted Italy's central role in the Middle East crisis and its capacity to facilitate the difficult peace process. She added that his attendance refuted "lies" spread by critics regarding her government's foreign policy stance.

Abbas expressed gratitude to the Italian government for its support in peace negotiations, the training of Palestinian police forces, humanitarian aid for Gaza, and the medical treatment of Palestinian children in Italy.

Emphasizing the need for a "lasting and fair peace," Abbas asserted that a Palestinian state could coexist with Israel within 1967 borders based on mutual respect. He warned that the absence of a Palestinian state remains a source of instability and extremism in the region.

The Palestinian president stressed that while every state has a legitimate right to security, imposing occupation through force is illegitimate. He assured the audience that a Palestinian state would be a partner in peace rather than a security threat.

Abbas also reiterated his commitment to holding parliamentary and presidential elections and building a state where the rule of law prevails and weapons remain solely under the control of legitimate institutions.

Concluding his remarks, Abbas expressed hope that Italy would proceed toward recognizing the State of Palestine to reinforce equality and reduce violence, confirming his readiness to cooperate fully with Rome on regional security.

Abbas is scheduled to meet with leaders of Italy's left-wing opposition parties on Saturday.