The president of the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, Gianni Pittella, signed a partnership agreement with Fatah this morning. He met with Nabil Shaath, senior Palestinian negotiator and Fatah's commissioner for international relations, to set out commitments to strengthen co-operation with the Palestinian sister party. Fatah is the party of peace in Palestine which backs President Abbas. Next week, the S&D Group will vote as one on a resolution asking for the recognition of the Palestinian state.