Mahmoud Abbas on Bashar al-Assad

Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian President, has maintained a stance characterized by consistent diplomatic outreach and communication with Bashar al-Assad, the President of Syria. This engagement has included sending congratulatory messages on major Syrian national occasions, such as Evacuation Day and al-Assad's re-election, demonstrating a commitment to formal state-to-state relations. Furthermore, the Palestinian Authority has taken steps to normalize or renew ties with Damascus, including joining other Arab nations in re-establishing diplomatic relations.

This approach suggests a pragmatic decision to maintain ties, especially as the broader Arab world has moved toward re-integrating Syria following the civil war. While there has been historical engagement, including visits for talks, the current context points toward an ongoing, functional diplomatic relationship, perhaps reflecting the Palestinian leadership's desire to secure regional backing and maintain a consistent political presence in Damascus.