A NEW STEP IN COOPERATION:
TURKISH AND PALESTINIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
The "Türkiye-Palestine Local Government Dialogue and Cooperation Program," organized by the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (TBB) to enhance relations between Türkiye and Palestine, was held in Istanbul. As part of the program, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between TBB and the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA).
The MoU, which aims to strengthen the capacities of local governments in both countries and marks a new phase in cooperation, was signed by TBB President & Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and APLA President & Salfeet Mayor Abdul Karim Al-Zubaidi. Both İmamoğlu and Al-Zubaidi delivered speeches at the event.
"We will continue to raise our voices for the rights of our Palestinian brothers and sisters"
İmamoğlu emphasized the importance of the deep-rooted relations between Türkiye and Palestine, stating, "The bond between Türkiye and Palestine is not only based on a shared history but also on a spirit of solidarity against historical injustices."
Highlighting the destruction and humanitarian tragedy that has been unfolding in Gaza for the past 16 months, İmamoğlu said, "Unfortunately, those who remained silent while Gaza was being razed to the ground are also silent today as Israel looks for excuses to break the ceasefire in Gaza and escalates its military operations in the West Bank. We will continue to raise our voices for the rights of our Palestinian brothers and sisters on every platform."
"Local governments can reduce tensions and prevent polarization"
İmamoğlu underlined the crucial role of local governments in building sustainable peace and prosperity in Palestine, stating that municipalities are not only service providers but also key actors in strengthening social solidarity and improving welfare. He recalled that this point was emphasized during the Middle East and North Africa Mayors' Peace and Cooperation Meeting held in Istanbul last December, saying, "Local governments can reduce tensions, prevent polarization, and stop the seeds of hatred from spreading."
Cooperation between Turkish and Palestinian municipalities
İmamoğlu noted that the signed MoU would initiate a new era of cooperation between Turkish and Palestinian local governments. He explained that joint projects would be developed in various fields, including infrastructure, urban transformation, environmental management, digital governance, waste management, and social services. "Enhancing the institutional and personnel capacities of Palestinian municipalities, improving service quality, and facilitating access to international funds are of great importance," İmamoğlu stated, emphasizing the concrete outcomes expected from this cooperation. He concluded his speech by affirming, "We will always stand by the rightful demands of the Palestinian people."
"Municipalities have very limited resources"
APLA President Abdul Karim Al-Zubaidi highlighted the destruction in the Palestinian cities of Tulkarm and Jenin due to Israeli attacks, saying: "We have been subjected to massacres, sometimes in front of the whole world, sometimes in secret, not just in recent times but since 1948. The entire world has witnessed what has been happening in Gaza. These massacres are attacks on the identity of Palestine. Our municipalities, in addition to fulfilling their expected duties, are also trying to take on responsibilities that should be handled by governments despite having very limited resources. We are striving to provide services despite all the impossibilities. Consider Gaza Municipality during wartime. Despite the war, you still have to collect garbage. How can you do that? The previous mayor was assassinated. Our expectation is for our Union to take a much more active role. We also expect TBB President Ekrem İmamoğlu to elevate our cooperation to the highest level and increase assistance."
During the program, TBB Secretary General Suat Yıldız delivered a presentation titled "Türkiye-Palestine Relations and the Role of Local Governments," while APLA Executive Director Abdallah Anati presented "The Future of Joint Cooperation and Partnerships" to the participants.
Al-Zubaidi Invites İmamoğlu to Palestine
Following the speeches, a signing ceremony was held between TBB President İmamoğlu and APLA President Al-Zubaidi, marking an important step in the collaboration between local governments. After the signing, İmamoğlu, Al-Zubaidi, and the accompanying delegations took a group photo. Al-Zubaidi extended an invitation to İmamoğlu, saying, "We want to see you in Palestine," to which İmamoğlu responded, "Yes, I absolutely want to visit, as soon as possible."
The event was attended by TBB Secretary General Suat Yıldız and Deputy Secretary General Şengül Altan Arslan, along with 12 Palestinian mayors who are members of APLA.