The newly freed BBC journalist Alan Johnston met with Palestinian President Mahmmoud Abbas in Ramallah Thursday. Johnston was released on Wednesday after nearly four months in captivity. Johnston thanked Abbas for his efforts.

Alan Johnston: “Thank you to President Abbas for his support and all his troubles. I had a radio, and I was aware of how much he was doing to try and secure my release. I also have come to the West Bank to say thank you so much with all my heart for all the Palestinians here, especially to the civil society organization and especially to the journalists in the West Bank in Nablus, in Jenin, in Ramallah, who campaigned so often and so passionately to try and secure my release.”

Johnston is expected to return home to Scotland on Saturday.