EU hosts annual meeting of the international donor coordination group in support of the Palestinian economy

The European Union will host on Tuesday the annual Spring meeting of the international donor coordination group in support of the Palestinian economy, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC). The meeting is hosted by EU High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini, and chaired by the Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide. Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn will also participate. Since 1993, the AHLC has served as a key policy-level coordination mechanism for financial assistance to the Palestinian people, with a purpose of preserving the vision of a negotiated two-state solution. A press point with High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide will take place ahead of the meeting at approximately 13:45 at the VIP corner, in the Berlaymont building (media advisory is available online). Earlier in the day, senior officials will take stock of progress achieved in the past twelve months as regards the implementation of the biggest ever investment project in Gaza: the Gaza Central Desalination Plant. The available water in Gaza is among the lowest in the world and 97% is unfit for human consumption. This project meets the most urgent water needs, providing water for the two million Palestinians living in Gaza, contributing to the environmental sustainability and economic development of Gaza. Audio-visual coverage will be available on EbS. A factsheet and a video on the Gaza Central Desalination Plant are online. (For more information: Maja Kocijančič – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Matteo Arisci - Tel.: +32 229 80833; Alceo Smerilli – Tel.:+32 229 64887)