RAMALLAH, December 21, 2009 (WAFA)- Prime Minister Salam Fayyad signed today two financial agreements, the sum of $23 million, with the Japanese government represented by  the Representative of Japan to the PA Mr. Naofumi Hashimoto.

The Non- Project grant aid of $16.7 million is extended as a part of international supports to alleviate the PA financial difficulties. This grant will procure some products critically needed for daily economic activities.

The environmental program grant aid of $6.7 million is extended to implement the project to introduce a solar photovoltaic power plant for the first time in the West Bank. It will be connected to the power grid of Jericho city to supply electricity to the city and in the future to the agro-industrial park to be established under the Japanese initiative of “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” as well.

The two grants mentioned are clear indicators of Japan’s determined commitment to continue its support for the peace-making efforts led by President Mahmoud Abbas, and for state institutions building efforts led by Fayyad.

Fayyad thanked the Japanese government for their continuous help for the Palestinian People and their government, and showed his appreciation for the support the Japanese people have given to help the Palestinian people gain their rights by ending the occupation and building their own state up to 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

It is worth mentioning that since 1993 the Government of Japan has extended its official development assistance exceeding $1 billion to the Palestinian people, including humanitarian assistance.