A delegation of the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) chaired by its President Eng. Mousa Hadid has concluded their visit to the Association of German Cities held at the German City of Bonn. The purpose of the visit was to explore the Association of German Cities experiences on all levels.

The visit lasted for four days, in which APLA convened a series of meetings and special training workshops, it mainly focused on how the Association of German Cities manage their internal work and finances, it also shed the light on its relationship with other municipalities from on hand, and their relationship with the Government on the other.  The visit also focused on the Association of German Cities role in enhancing laws and regulations, generating more income for municipalities, discussing its role in the local economic development, their relationship with the private sector, and much more detailed matters. 

In addition, APLA’s delegation visited several German municipalities like Bonn and Cologne, to view some of their municipal specific systems and utilize their experience in improving Palestinian municipalities services provided to citizens.

During the visit days, APLA previewed different issues related to its associational structure and management, and its role in drafting the Palestinian Local Governance laws and regulations, local economic development, and its services towards Palestinian Local Government Units (LGUs). Moreover, APLA elaborated on the focal points of its strategic plan and its projects and programs plans during the upcoming period.

The two associations have agreed on exchanging expertise and knowledge, developing ways of partnership and cooperation between the two on one hand, and between the Palestinian and German municipalities on the other.

The visit was organized by The German Ministry of Cooperation and Planning and the German Global Engagement Foundation, in cooperation with APLA and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Palestine.