The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA), represented by its President; Eng. Musa Hadid, entered a Cooperation and Partnership Agreement with the Association of Netherlands Municipalities for International Cooperation, represented by its President; Peter Jorensa, at APLA's Office in Ramallah. Such endeavor affirms the long-term partnership linking the two Associations, and the renewal of the partnership agreement emphasizes the support of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities to APLA's role in defending the rights of its members. It further seeks to enhance cooperation between the two associations and partnerships between Palestinian local authorities and their Dutch counterparts.
After welcoming the visiting delegation, Eng. Hadid praised the strong relations with the Dutch Association as well as the efforts it invests in developing the Local Governance Sector, and the support it provides to local authorities to enhance their capacities in providing services and meeting citizens' needs. Furthermore, Eng. Hadid called for activating cooperation and strengthening it to work on providing international aid and programs in line with the Palestinian National goals and priorities and the SDGs 2030, emphasizing the importance of such cooperation that contributes to transitioning the Palestinian reality, exchange experiences in all shared fields and enhance cooperation among societies around the world.
On another note, the Director of thethe Association of Netherlands Municipalities \, Jorensa, praised the role of APLA and its eagerness to advance the Local Governance Sector in Palestine, "This cooperation agreement is nothing but a continuation of years of working side by side with APLA on issues and fields that concern and burden local authorities, seeking to develop the regulating laws and policies on one hand, and enhancing decentralized cooperation through opening new horizons for local authorities at international levels on the other".
As per this agreement, both associations can work in full partnership to engage in international projects, acquire joint funding for implementing joint plans aiming to enhance and support APLA in lobbying and advocacy process in favor of local authorities, enhance the capacities and competences of local authorities, and supporting them to engage in global programs and develop their international relations.
