Beit Jala Mayor Mr. Issa Qassis and Municipal Council Member Mr. Imad Abu Maher signed a twinning agreement with the Municipality of Kızılcahamam, Türkiye, represented by Mayor Mr. Süleyman Acar and Deputy Mayor Mr. Yılmaz Özbek.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Palestinian Ambassador to Türkiye, Mr. Faed Mustafa; Embassy Counselor Ms. Rana Abu Sbeiha; several municipal council members; and senior municipal officials.

In his speech during the ceremony, Mayor Issa Qassis explained that the agreement aims to strengthen communication and cooperation between the two municipalities and establish a new relationship based on cultural exchange and joint efforts to achieve shared goals. He emphasized the importance of reinforcing the bonds of friendship and twinning between the two cities and their communities, while strengthening ties between their social, cultural, sports, and tourism institutions.

Mayor Qassis also highlighted the deep-rooted historical relationship between Palestine and Türkiye, which dates back hundreds of years. He added that this twinning agreement represents an important step toward building bridges of understanding and cooperation between the cultures of the two cities.

During the visit, the delegation toured numerous tourist and historical sites, cultural centers, museums, and craft centers. They also visited municipal facilities related to waste recycling, empty glass bottle manufacturing, and mineral water bottling.

At the conclusion of the visit, Mayor Issa Qassis extended an official invitation to the Turkish delegation to visit Beit Jala and explore its landmarks and institutions.