BETHLEHEM, October 1, 2016 (WAFA) – A three-day convention that seeks to connect Bethlehem expatriates with their motherland kicked off on Saturday in the southern West Bank city of Bethlehem.

The Bethlehem District Diaspora Convention, launched under the banner of “A Return to the Roots,” is attended by the Bethlehem district Diaspora community particularly those living in Latin America, the United States and Europe.

Highlighting the convention objective, Bethlehem municipality said it is designed to “increase the sense of belonging of all new generations in the Diaspora, providing an opportunity for them to reconnect with their roots and help develop their motherland.”

In his inaugural speech, Foreign Minister Riyad Malki stated that the convention provides an opportunity to reestablish connection between expatriates and their community, attract investments to Palestine and help develop Palestinian economy.

He added the ministry would send exploratory missions to Peru, Argentine, El Salvador and Guatemala to brief Palestinians living there about investment opportunities in Palestine.

Bethlehem Mayor Vera Baboun said her city would have a bright future thanks to efforts by the city’s expatriate community.

In his speech, mayor of Beit Jala, William Sha‘er, highlighted the suffering of Beit Jala community and seizure of Palestinian land as a result of the construction of Israel’s wall in Cremisan Valley.

The inauguration featured a performance by Diyar Dance Theater, a photo presentation about Bethlehem past and present by Khalil Shokeh and the story of the diaspora by Eugenio Chahuan, director of the Center for Arab Studies at the University of Chile.

President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to attend the convention’s grand opening at the Bethlehem Convention Palace later on Saturday along with the 85 expatriates attending it.

K.F./M.A.