The EU Civilian Operations Commander, Francisco Esteban Perez, carried out an official visit to EUPOL COPPS and EUBAM RAFAH in his first visit to Palestine since taking up his appointment . During the official visit to both Missions, he presided over two Medal Parades and joined EUPOL COPPS for the International Women’s Day celebration, which included the Palestinian Chief of Police and the Governor of Ramallah as honorary guests.

 The visit also saw the Civilian Operations Commander hold a number of bilateral meetings with Palestinian officials, including the Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, Ministers of Justice and Interior, the Chief of the Palestinian Civil Police and the Governor of Ramallah, as well as meeting with EU Member State Representatives. The silver thread running through  the meetings with the senior Palestinian counterparts revolved around the support that EUPOL COPPS provides to the Palestinian institutions, and the ongoing partnership, central to the mandate of EUPOL COPPS. The constructive atmosphere of the meetings illustrated the excellent mutual cooperation in place, with both sides keen to enhance and strengthen the partnership.

 A highlight of the mission consisted of the general staff meetings, which gave the opportunity to all staff to  exchanges ideas and to discuss the challenges faced by the Missions.