Earlier today, the First Minister of Northern Ireland, /u/SoSaturnistic, visited cities in the occupied West Bank to promote social and economic links and advocate for human rights in what observers are calling "the fastest such visit seen in quite a long time". The First Minister was received by the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Riyad al-Maliki.

He also met with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA). This meeting saw both leaders exchange gifts and pleasantries.

BBC journalists caught up with the First Minister to ask what he spoke about with the two Palestinian politicians, and the purpose of his visit.

BBC Reporter: Mr First Minister, what was the purpose of your visit here?

First Minister: Ireland has a long history of standing in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters, but these days the relationship has become even closer due to increased interpersonal and economic links. Having spoken to and worked with many in civil society organisations relating to the Palestinian cause, I’ve increasingly felt a duty over these last few years to make sure that our voice is heard in combating the injustice of occupation and the virtue of peace both at home and abroad.

BBC Reporter: You met with Riyad al-Maliki, the PNA Foreign Minister. What did you speak about?

First Minister: I wanted to reaffirm my personal commitment - a commitment shared by the rest of my party - to fighting injustice in all forms, and to standing up against those who wish to deny the Palestinian people basic freedoms. I’m an internationalist at heart and wanted to make clear that the North is on the side of equality and dignity. This visit has not been about making big statements to try and radically interfere with Palestinian internal politics - that is not really my place - it’s about showing solidarity with Palestinians in the occupied territories, Ireland, and the rest of Europe, and reaching out internationally on issues of mutual interest. One item that came up in our discussion was the implications on trade in the case that Dáil Éireann does end up passing the Occupied Territories Bill.

BBC Reporter: You also met with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the PNA. What did you discuss in this meeting?

First Minister: Myself and Mr Abbas have been in correspondence for some time, dating back to when I was deputy First Minister. I wanted to, again, reaffirm my commitment to supporting the end of the occupation and delivering a just peace. That has been a consistent theme. On a more political level, I wanted to congratulate Mr Abbas for calling fresh Palestinian presidential and legislative elections and affirm my support for calls to ensure that these are undertaken in a free and fair manner - including within East Jerusalem. Finally, I conveyed my belief that small nations like Ireland and Palestine can have real international influence for good if they stand together. This is a huge step in expanding the North's influence in the world and I'm proud to have been behind it.

BBC Reporter: Thank you, Mr First Minister.