Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Malki called on the international community to assume its responsibilities and to take immediate action to address the financial crisis of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Malki's comments came during his meeting with UNRWA's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini at the ministry's headquarters in Ramallah.

According to Wafa news agency, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed his position in support of UNRWA's efforts, stressing the importance of preserving the role of the UN agency against attempts seeking to undermine its work and mandate.

He also highlighted the importance of joint and permanent coordination in order to protect the rights of refugees and to preserve the services provided to refugees by UNRWA, calling for urgent and immediate financial support for its budget.

The top Palestinian diplomat stressed the need for all countries to fulfill their obligations, including their financial commitments to the budget of UNRWA in order to be enable the Agency to maintain its ital services to Palestinian refugees.