The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) President Eng. Mousa Hadid sought the joint cooperation with the Belgium Development Agency, occurred at the conducted meeting with the Belgium delegation at APLA headquarters. The meeting included the Expert in institutional Development and Governance in Palestine Olivier Donnet, Land Initiative Coordinator Oday Al Ja'bari, and Development of Local Government Sector Program Consultant Bashir Al Bargouthy, in the presence of APLA's Executive Director Eng. Abdallah Anati.

Eng. Hadid presented APLA's vision towards the Local Government sector and APLA’s future work plan, stressing on APLA's vital role as a policymaker partner for Local Government Sector in Palestine, as well as representing LGUs and building its staff capacity by exchanging expertise, holding training, and providing opportunities to participate in national and international conferences.

Eng. Hadid also expressed the strong ties with the Belgian Cooperation Agency and praised its efforts in developing the Local Government Sector and supporting LGUs to improve their efficiency in providing the needed services for its citizens. Mr. Hadid called for strengthening the cooperation between the two associations, to provide international programs that align with the Palestinian national goals and priorities.

Program Director Olivier Donnte highlighted the importance of APLA's role in several Local Governments' projects and issues, he also demonstrated the focal partnerships and chances of available cooperation between the two parties, which aims to serve the Local Government Sector and improve LGUs capability to provide better services for citizens.

Both parties discussed their roles regarding “ARD Initiative" which aims to develop the ability to face a crisis by organizing mutual support, exchange expertise, identifies the learned lessons of developing work tools, enhancing relations between the participating LGUs and its cooperative associations, maintaining policy-making and supporting the mobilization of national and international partners to finance local economic development plans.