The Secretary-General and President Abbas had a constructive meeting today.

President Abbas informed the Secretary-General of his intention to submit to the Secretary-General on Friday an application for membership in the United Nations. The Secretary-General informed President Abbas of his intention to perform his duties under the UN Charter.

The Secretary-General reiterated his support for the two-state solution and stressed his desire to ensure that the international community and the two parties can find a way forward for resuming negotiations within a legitimate and balanced framework, and discussed with President Abbas the ongoing Quartet efforts in this regard. President Abbas stressed his commitment to a negotiated solution.