A delegation from the Palestinian International Cooperation Agency (PICA), an agency operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Palestine, attended a study visit in Ankara, Turkey, between 26-27 February 2018. The visit was organised by SESRIC and aimed at exploring the potential for better coordination and cooperation between SESRIC and PICA as well as to forge the partnership with Turkish institutions to better address and respond to challenges of developments in Palestine.

The Palestinian delegation, headed by Mr Imad Al Zuhairi, Director General of PICA, was received at SESRIC Headquarters by H.E. Amb. Musa Kulaklıkaya, Director General of SESRIC, Mr Nabil Dabour, Assistant Director General of SESRIC and directors of relevant departments of the Centre.

During the visit at SESRIC, the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which provides a framework of cooperation to facilitate and strengthen cooperation between the two parties in areas of mutual interest related to South-South cooperation.

The signing of the MoU recognises the importance of joint efforts and close cooperation and partnership between the two institutions in the areas of common interests. The MoU, signed by H.E. Amb. Musa Kulaklıkaya, Director General of SESRIC, and Mr Imad Al Zuhairi, Director General of PICA, on 26 February 2018, provides a framework of cooperation to facilitate and strengthen cooperation between the two parties in areas of mutual interest related to South-South cooperation.

In line with the signed MoU, SESRIC and PICA will sustain each other by maintaining effective and systematic consultations, strengthening cooperation, exchanging information between them, as well as organising joint programmes in areas of good governance, economic and social development, environmental sphere and humanitarian affairs.

Furthermore, the delegation, comprising of three officials, held meetings and discussions with relevant Turkish Institutions, including the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD). During the meetings, exchange of information and ways of enhancing cooperation among the institutions of Turkey and Palestine were discussed.

The Palestinian International Cooperation Agency (PICA), was established in 2016 and serves a public diplomacy mechanism of the State of Palestine and as a development cooperation arm of Palestinian foreign policy.

Despite decades of Israeli occupation, that has affected almost every aspect of Palestinian’ lives, PICA has managed to develop and use the Palestinian knowhow in multiple sectors and to deliver aid development and technical assistance to developing countries beyond the Arab region, including countries in the Caribbean such as the Dominican Republic, Haiti etc.

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Agenda (English)

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