Hebron Mayor Dr. Daoud Zatari discussed today with a Turkish delegation chaired by Deputy Mayor of Bursa Mr. Abdullah Karadag the signing of a twinning agreement between the two cities. The meeting was also attended by Hebron Municipal Council members, municipalstaff, the Head of Tareq Bin Ziad Center Mr. Adnan Rajabi as well as by Mr.Taiseer Fakhouri.
Dr. Zatari spoke about the close ties between the people and leaderships of both Turkey and Palestine. He underlined Turkey’s political support to the Palestinian cause as well as commercial ties betweenTurkish cities and Hebron.He also spoke about political and security conditions in the city, daily Palestinian suffering due to Israeli occupation and settler practices, the division of the city into two parts, settler presence in its heart and around Al Ibrahimi Mosque and settlements which surround the city. “This situation prevents Hebron Municipality from improving its services”, he said. Dr. Zatari then described the economic and commercial importance of Hebron as well as its traditional industries and local products including glass, ceramics, grapes and olives. He underlined efforts made by Hebron Municipality to support the local economy and infrastructure.
Mr. Kardag expressed his willingness to enhance cooperation and ties with the Arab world in general and with Palestine in particular given its sacred character and religious significance.
Participants agreed to exchange experiences and enhance joint cooperation in the fields of education, tourism, economic development and cultural promotion .