Palestine plans to use Azerbaijan’s experience in Gaza reconstruction

The Palestinian Authority is considering drawing on Azerbaijan’s post-conflict reconstruction experience as it prepares plans for rebuilding the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian Authority Minister of Local Government Sami A. Hijjawi.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, he said both sides support closer cooperation in the field of local governance, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“The previous day, we held a meeting with representatives of the country on local government issues and learned about the work Azerbaijan has done in the reconstruction of Karabakh and areas affected by military action,” he noted.

Hijjawi stressed that Azerbaijan’s experience could be particularly relevant for Gaza’s reconstruction following what he described as large-scale destruction.

“We are convinced that sharing experiences and utilizing Azerbaijani developments will be of exceptional importance to us in the reconstruction of Gaza, which has been subjected to large-scale and devastating attacks. I believe that all opportunities for such cooperation are open,” he added.

He also highlighted plans for broader cooperation in urban development, including smart city and smart village concepts.

“We hope that an exchange of specialists in this field will soon be organized,” he said, noting discussions with Anar Guliyev, head of Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Urban Development and Architecture.

Hijjawi said Palestinian officials are planning to send experts, architects and engineers to Azerbaijan to study its reconstruction practices in greater depth.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov