Palestine Economy Portal.

The mayor of Bethlehem, Anton Salman and his counterpart from the municipality of Barcelona, Ada Colau, signed a memorandum of understanding between the two sides.

The signing of the agreement took place in the municipality hall in Bethlehem. With the presence of the vice chairman of the municipality, Hanna Hanania, the general director of  the water and waste-water authority, Akram Nassar, and the general director of the municipality of Bethlehem, Anton Morqus.

Salman said, this agreement aims to; install cooperation between the two cities, to reinforce institutional development, upgrade municipality service administration and ensure the improvement of public services. In addition to encouraging technical development, technical exchange, and projects associated with tourism and marketing, and the continuation of technical exchange concerning water, waste-water and energy management, and cultural, sports, educational, youth and environmental projects.

Salman emphasized on the importance of this agreement, which involves collaborating in important fields. Pointing out that the municipality of Bethlehem has many connections with 91 cities around the world, which confirms how international the city is. He also mentioned the city's challenges, and the municipality's preparation for Christmas celebration and for the Expatriate's of Palestine, Bethlehem municipality conference, and for -Bethlehem the Arab capital of culture- event 2020.

On the side of signing the agreement, an electronic display was presented including suggested projects from Bethlehem municipality, explaining the reality of the city, in addition to visiting the Church of Nativity and the Peace Center.