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International Cooperation

    Gaza, like the rest of the Palestinian cities, suffered, during the Israeli occupation which continued for about 27 years, from international isolation. Thus, Gaza municipality now needs to open itself for the outside world and be part of this world. Since 1994, the relations of Gaza City with other international cities have positively developed through dialogue and mutual understanding. The geographical proximity and historical relations between the Middle East and Europe, as well as the natural interest in a number of issues, have a great impact on developing the relations between Gaza and some European cities. Some include Dunkerque in France, Barcelona in Spain and Torino in Italy. The common language and culture of Gaza and the Arab cities have a great impact on developing the relations with Arab cities including Dubai, the gem of the Arab Gulf. Cities like Villa El-Salvador in Peru, South America developed relations with Gaza City on a human basis.

   The relations of Gaza City with international cities ranged from mere cooperation, solidarity and friendship in different fields, to township. As a result of these relations, experiences were exchanged in the fields of civil service, conserving the environment and developing the basic infrastructure of Gaza City. Moreover, the residents of these cities understood the reality of the Palestinian problem and felt sympathy with the Palestinian people.

The UNESCO Cities for Peace Prize
1998-1999 ... for Gaza City

     It is worth mentioning that in June 1999, the city of Gaza received the UNESCO CITIES FOR PEACE PRIZE for The Arab States (Honorable Mention), in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the restoration of hope, the reinforcement of solidarity and consolidation of the culture of peace in everyday life.

Some of the International Cities
which have Twinning or Cooperation Agreements with Gaza City

  Dunkerque, France
     Dunkerque was the first city to sign a Twinning agreement with Gaza City. Cooperation with Dunkerque goes back to 1997 when an agreement was reached to help Gaza City financially and technically in order to establish the first public library in the city. Dunkerque provided training to the library staff in France and donated some of the costs to renovate the library building. It also donated funds to furnish the library and provided computers and books. At present, the final touches are added to the design of the Qubbeh Park where Dunkerque will donate some of the establishment costs.

  Barcelona, Spain
    The township agreement with Barcelona was signed in 1998. Barcelona will help Gaza City to find funds to implement different projects, which deal with urban planning, environment protection, and the basic infrastructure of Gaza City. The first project, establishing a park in the Zaitoun area called "Barcelona Peace Park" will be started within the coming few months.

  Torino, Italy
    A “Twin City Agreement” was signed with Turin, Italy on September 30^th 1999. The Agreement declares the Mayors will, on behalf of Turin and Gaza cities, to inspire their action with the supreme valours of peace, liberty, justice, cooperation and human development. It is worth mentioning that the cooperation has already begun by the funding of Turin to a training program to develop the administrative skills of the Gaza Municipality employees. Training was conducted through the International Labor Organization (ILO) Training Center in Turin.

  Dubai, the United Arab Emirates
    The Mayor of Gaza and some of the municipality department's directors were invited to pay an exploratory visit to the municipality of Dubai. The visit was arranged to see the modern systems applied by Dubai municipality and also to find out how to benefit from these systems in developing Gaza municipality and city.

  Cascais, Portugal
    A twinning agreement was signed with cascais city on March 31st, 2000 , during the visit of the Mayor of Gaza to Cascais. The two Mayors accepted the respnsibility to co-operate in every action that, once accomplished, consign the promotion of welfare of thier citizens. It is worth mentioning that Cascais Municipality will fund the development of Al Shijaea Park Project in the heart of Gaza city.

  Aghadir, Morocco
    A twinning and cooperation agreement was signed on September 14th, 1999 in Gaza city between the Municipality of Gaza, represented by the Mayor Mr Aown Shawa, and the Urban Community of Aghadir, represented by its president Mr Mohamed Al Wathiq. The two cities will cooperate in various cultural fields. According to the agreement, both municipalities will exchange experiences in many municipal fields in the near future.

  Tromso, Norway
    The cities of Gaza and Tromso have recently agreed in principle to sign a twinning agreement between the two cities. This agreement would bring benefits to both cities in various aspects including environment, health, culture and technology. The two municipalities are looking forward to a fruitful cooperation and exchange of experiences and ideas in the future. The twinning with Tromso is also expected to strengthen the friendly relations between the peoples of Palestine and Norway, and also to increase the understanding of Norwegians to the Palestinian cause.

  Saida, Lebanon
     To extend its network of twinning and cooperation with Mediterranean cities, the City of Gaza has welcomed the initiative of the Lebanese City “Saida” to have a twinning agreement between Gaza and Saida. Nasri Khayal, the Mayor of Gaza, and Hilal Qubrosli, the Mayor of Saida, are expected to sign the agreement before the end of this year (2002).
 

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