Belgium upgrades PA's diplomatic status

Belgium said Saturday it had raised the standing of the Palestinian Authority’s diplomatic delegation to the country to “mission” status, AFP reports.

The move is a show of commitment to a two-state solution in the Middle East, according to the Belgians.

Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders confirmed the change from “general delegation” to “mission” after signing an agreement during a bilateral meeting with PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas during a visit to Jordan.

“The raising (of status) reflects Belgian and European support for the two-state solution,” Reynders said in a statement quoted by AFP, adding that the head of the mission could use the title of ambassador.

Reynders signed the agreement during a bilateral meeting with Abbas on Saturday.