Brussels, 04/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - Joseph Paritzky, Israeli Minister for National Infrastructure, and Azzam Shawwa, Palestinian Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, signed an agreement in Rome on Tuesday, in presence of Gianfranco Fini, Italian Deputy Prime Minister, and Loyola de Palacio, Commissioner for Energy. The agreement creates the concrete basis for energy dialogue between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, which was reopened in Athens in May 2003.
Both sides identified different interconnection projects of common interest, such as: the construction of a joint electric generator, the development of an electrical interconnection between Gaza and Netivot, and a gas interconnection between Ashkelon and Gaza, the definition of a joint framework for exchanges and bilateral and regional trade in electricity, the development of co-operation in renewable energy, the establishment of a joint platform for the monitoring of Israeli-Palestinian energy co-operation, a new programmes to refurbish and extend energy infrastructure, and the creation of a new joint technical office.
The two parties also decided to extend this co-operation to activities related to the energy sector, such as water, via co-operation to improve the treatment of waste water. "As for European countries after World War II, the energy dialogue must contribute to reconciliation and co-operation, in order to overcome the oppositions and conflicts, and take commitments for more interdependence and solidarity", said Loyola de Palacio. "In this respect, the joint declaration between Israel and Palestinian Authority is significant and represents for all parties a real message of hope", she added.