Reinforcing security and justice institutions is key for Palestinians to live in peace and security, said Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Varsen Aghabekian, when speaking for the first time with EUPOL COPPS Head of Mission (HoM), Felix Andaker, on 13 August in Ramallah.

Expressing appreciation for the Mission’s work in Palestine, the Minister called for closer cooperation, particularly on Rule of Law aspects, such as international treaties. She also stressed about the relevance of a reform agenda spanning from security to Human Rights as crucial for the society, all aspects factored in EUPOL COPPS mandate. The Minister mentioned how very relevant such elements are also for Palestinians living in Gaza, where EUPOL COPPS’ sister mission operates, with much appreciation for the overall role played by the European Union (EU).

The HoM reaffirmed the EU’s commitment on the Palestinian state-building, to which EUPOL COPPS strives to contribute within the framework of its mandate. He also shared with the Minister insights based on his professional background on creating stability in the society through the interaction between effective and functioning security and judicial players.

In discussing challenges, Felix Andaker underlined about how impressed he is by the resilience demonstrated by the Palestinian people.

He also presented Minister Aghabekian with a Manual on International Judicial Cooperation Procedures, jointly developed by several Palestinian Ministries’ legal departments and other relevant stakeholders with the support of EUPOL COPPS.

The manual provides practical guidance on judicial cooperation under Palestinian law and applicable international agreements.

EUPOL COPPS’ readiness to support the implementation of the manual fits within the renewed commitment for even further strengthening interaction and cooperation at the core of the meeting.