Palestinian and Indian officials signing papers for the construction of a printing press in Palestine. (WAFA Images / Tamer Bana) 

RAMALLAH, Thursday, November 22, 2018 (WAFA) – Palestinian Minister of Finance Shukri Bishara and India’s Cosmas International Company signed on Thursday a contract for the construction of a national printing press in Palestine.

Bishara said the press will be financed by the Government of India for a cost of $5 million.

Attending the event was Ahmad Assaf, the General Supervisor of the Palestinian Official Media that includes Palestine TV and radio, WAFA News Agency and al-Hayat al-Jadida daily.

Assaf said there was a need for this printing press to print al-Hayat al-Jadida  newspaper and other government and official documents, as well as books.

He said work for the construction of a national printing press started few years ago with efforts mainly from the president who supported it and showed interest  in realizing this goal due to the need to have a printing press in Palestine.

President Abbas’ advisor for diplomatic affairs, Majdi Khalidi, who also attended the signing ceremony, thanked India for its support for the Palestinian people and cause. He specifically mentioned the role played by India’s representative to the Palestinian Authority, who was also present at the event, in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between their two countries.