In the presence of dozens of Palestinian businessmen, the Palestinian Minister of National Economy, Mr. Mohammed Al-Amour, met with the Palestinian-Turkish Businessmen Union. The meeting was also attended by His Excellency the Ambassador of the State of Palestine in Turkey, Dr. Faed Mustafa, and Ms. Manal Al-Dosouki, Director General of General Trade at the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy.

The Union’s Chairman, Mr. Mazen Al-Hassasna, warmly welcomed the Minister of National Economy and Ambassador Dr. Faed Mustafa, noting that the relationship binding the Union with the homeland and its official and civil institutions is a historic and strong one, built over past years. He affirmed that the Union is constantly working to strengthen relations with the Turkish side in ways that positively reflect on the economic landscape of Palestine. Al-Hassasna also provided a brief overview of the Union, its role, achievements, and future ambitions.

In turn, Ambassador Dr. Faed Mustafa thanked the Businessmen’s Union for the hospitality, pointing to the numerous achievements the Union has made over the past years both within Turkey and in Palestine. He stressed the deep and distinguished relationship between the Embassy of Palestine and the Union institution.

Minister of National Economy Mr. Mohammed Youssef Al-Amour reviewed a series of agreements signed with the Turkish side, led by Minister of Trade Dr. Ömer Bolat during his visit. These agreements cover several files that serve the interests of the Palestinian economy, most notably the commencement of implementing a customs exemption protocol for 5,000 tons of Palestinian dates instead of 3,000 tons. Additionally, an exemption of 43 Palestinian products from Turkish customs duties was agreed upon, which will be implemented in the coming months. At the same time, he praised the Turkish government’s decision to freeze trade relations with the Israeli entity in protest against the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

Minister Al-Amour further spoke about the severe challenges facing the Palestinian government and the financial crisis it is undergoing, caused by Israeli policies that pressure all Palestinians to enforce their schemes.

At the end of the meeting, the Minister listened to a series of interventions and inquiries raised by the audience of businessmen, all related to the keen interest in supporting the Palestinian national economy.