Italy's head of state Sergio Mattarella on Tuesday received Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas at the Quirinale palace in Rome, according to a statement.
Foreign minister Luigi Di Maio also attended the meeting between Mattarella and Abbas, which was followed by a lunch, the statement said.
Abbas briefed Mattarella on the latest political developments in the Middle East, especially the Israeli government's decision last week to advance plans for the construction of over 3,100 settlement units in the occupied West Bank, according to Palestinian news agency WAFA.
Mattarella stressed to Abbas Italy's ongoing support for the Palestinians and its wish for continuing cooperation with the PA, WAFA said.
The Palestinian delegation accompanying Abbas includes foreign minister Riyad al-Malki, Abbas's religious affairs and Islamic relations advisor Mahmoud al-Habbash and his diplomatic advisor Majdi Al-Khaldi, WAFA reported.
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