On Monday, Minister of Local Government Sa’ed al-Kuni signed a protocol, in Ramallah, for mutual cooperation in local government and municipal affairs with the Jordanian Minister of Municipal Affairs Waleed al-Masri.Under the protocol, both ministries will regularly share news regarding local government and municipal affairs, along with their mechanisms, in addition to the promoting the exchange of visits and offering training courses in these fields.
Al-Kuni said, during the signing ceremony, that the Palestinian government places great emphasis on promoting joint action, for improving the legislative system which governs municipalities and village councils, and for sharing knowledge in this sector, adding that the agreement encourages the establishment of ‘twinning’ relations between Palestinian municipal councils and their Jordanian counterparts.
This, it was said, would serve to accumulate their expertise and the cognitive abilities of their personnel.
Al-Kuni expressed his appreciation to Jordan for its support of Palestine in regional and international affairs.
Al-Masri noted the potential of modern technology with regard to establishing information networks between both ministries, so far as allowing access by both countries’ local councils to the aspects of scientific research and data collection.
Also addressed in the protocol were the organization of workshops in local government, enhancement of social accountability, preparation of strategic plans and integration potentials.
The two parties agreed to form a joint committee of specialized teams in both ministries, in order to facilitate following up on the implementation of the articles outlined in the protocol, as well as achieving its objectives.
Several agreements were recently signed, between Jordan and Palestine, to enhance mutual cooperation.
Jordanian Minister of State for Media Affairs, Mohammad al-Momani, has also stated that Jordan will take the necessary steps to protect the Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa Mosque.
