Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati received a delegation from the Bank of Palestine, including the Southern District Manager, Ms. Reem Qaraqe, and a number of employees from the bank’s Bethlehem branch. The delegation congratulated Canawati on assuming his duties as Mayor. The meeting addressed prospects for joint cooperation between the two parties, particularly in development and economic sectors that serve the city and its residents.
During the meeting, the Mayor emphasized the importance of the existing relationship with the Bank of Palestine, describing it as a long-term strategic partnership. He also highlighted the municipality’s full commitment to strengthening this relationship to serve the public interest. He also addressed the importance of Bethlehem’s tourist and religious sites and their vital role in supporting the local economy, as they are an important source of income and job opportunities, and an indicator of the city’s position on the global tourism map.
For her part, Ms. Reem Qaraqe expressed the bank’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with the Bethlehem Municipality and the public sector, emphasizing that the Bank of Palestine allocates 5% of its annual profits to support social responsibility, reflecting its commitment to supporting official institutions and the local community. The bank’s delegation also presented the banking services it provides, highlighting the bank’s stability and financial strength, as well as its role in alleviating the economic burdens on citizens, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of continued coordination and intensified joint efforts between the two sides.