US, Palestinian officials renew economic dialogue

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - American and Palestinian officials held a virtual meeting Tuesday to renew the US-Palestinian Economic Dialogue.

"The first such meeting in five years, this senior-level dialogue brought together a wide range of agencies and ministries from the U.S. government and the Palestinian Authority to discuss current and future areas of economic cooperation," the State Department said in a statement.

Officials pledged to expand and deepen cooperation and coordination across a range of sectors.

Among issues discussed were infrastructure development, access to US markets, US regulations, free trade, financial issues, renewable energy and environmental initiatives as well as international trade relations.

"The two sides concluded the dialogue agreeing to work on several crucial issues to advance the economic prosperity of the Palestinian people," said the statement.

US Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Yael Lempert underscored the Biden administration’s belief that Palestinians deserve to live in freedom, security and prosperity.

"Growing the Palestinian economy will also play a critical role in advancing our overarching political goal: a negotiated two-state solution, with a viable Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel," she added.

Representing the Palestine side were Minister of National Economy Khaled Al-Osaily, Governor of Palestinian Monetary Authority Feras Melhem, Minister of Information Technology and Communication Ishaq Sider, Chairman of Energy and Natural Resources Authority Zafer Melhem, among others.