President Abbas welcomes Iraqi football team

RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas received on Saturday the national football team of the Republic of Iraq, at the presidential headquarters in central occupied West Bank district of Ramallah.

President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the Iraqi football guests following a friendly match with the Palestinian national football team.

He said “Welcome to your second country and welcome our brothers from beloved Iraq in this exceptional visit,” regarding the Iraqi team’s first ever visit to Palestine.

While welcoming them he emphasized on the historical Palestinian-Iraqi relations and showed



appreciation for their visit to Palestine, especially since Israel controls all of the crossings into the country and could easily ban them from entry.

He said to the Iraqi team “We know that the situation is difficult, and that Israel would obstruct your access to Palestine, but your determination to reach Palestine and the land of Jerusalem confirms your concern for Palestine and its people.”

President Abbas pointed out that despite all obstacles, the Iraqi team continued to insist on attending the match and playing in Palestine.

He concluded by saying "We hope that this visit to Palestine is not your last.”