Minister of Local Government Dr. Hussein Al-Araj said that he is looking forward to a further partnering and integrating between the Ministry and the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), that came during APLA's Administrative Committee meeting chaired by Eng. Mousa Hadid, in the presence of his Excellency Dr. Hussein Al-Araj, the Ministry Undersecretary Mr. Mohammad Hassan Jabarin, and APLA's Administrative Committee Members.

Dr. Al Araj confirmed the agreement between APLA and the Ministry under the auspices of the Prime Minister, to amend the Local Government Units (LGUs) Mayors and Councilors bylaw in the coming weeks.

On his part, APLA's President Eng. Mousa Hadid expressed his gratitude to his Excellency the Minister and its staff on their valuable efforts in improving the Local Government Sector in Palestine. Stressing the need to develop the relationship and strengthen the partnership between the Ministry and APLA focusing on developing the laws and regulations related to the Local Government Sector.

APLA's members have reviewed a number of issues that are concerning the Palestinian LGUs, shedding the light on the financial challenges and the relationship with the Ministry of Finance, especially the Local Authorities receivables transfers to the Government. APLA's members discussed the obstacles imposed by the Ministry of Finance on the Local Authorities which hinder their ability in fulfilling their obligations towards citizens. APLA's members called on the Ministry to exert more efforts in order to ensure they receive their financial dues consistently and without delay.

In conclusion, APLA and the Ministry agreed on the importance of holding more of these meetings in the future, to discuss various issues concerning the LGUs in Palestine.