PA turns to Russia in a bid to break from US sponsorship
As part of its efforts to economically disengage from Israel, the Palestinian Authority seeks to establish bilateral relations with Russia in the energy field.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — The Palestinian government is seeking to increase cooperation with Russia in the field of energy and oil derivatives in a bid to benefit from Russian expertise and potential. This comes as part of the Palestinian government's strategic plan to economically disengage from Israel, which it announced last May.
During the annual conference of the Palestinian-Russian Joint Committee, held in Moscow Nov. 21-22, the two countries signed their largest package yet of new bilateral agreements between the public and private sectors, including in the fields of economy and trade, industry, agriculture, information technology, energy, tourism, employment, education and investment.
During the committee’s discussions, Russian companies working in the field of oil, energy and oil exploration expressed interest in working in Palestine.
Chairman of the Palestinian Energy Authority (PEA), Zafer Melhem, told Al-Monitor that the PEA will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Russian side within weeks. He didn't mention any specific date.
