President Rami Hamdallah received today the Heads of the EU diplomatic missions to the Palestinian National Authority upon a meeting headed by His Excellency Mr. Alain Remey, the French Consul General in Jerusalem, whose country is holding the EU presidency. The meeting was attended by the 26 EU Country Representatives to the Palestinian Authority.  At the national level, the meeting was also attended by Dr. Jamal Muhesin, the Governor of Nablus, Dr. Samir Hileleh, Coordinator of Palestine Investment Conference-Northern Forum, and University’s President Assistant for International Relations. H.E. Mr. Remey expressed his hope that the visit would strengthen links between EU and Palestinian universities. He added that the EU has an important role to play for the achievement of lasting peace in the Middle East which is a central aim of the EU.
In his speech, President Hamdalla thanked H.E. Mr. Remey for taking the initiative to organize this meeting at An-Najah.  He also thanked the EU diplomatic representatives for their great efforts to bring lasting peace, prosperity, and development to this region.
 “We take your visit to our University to be an expression of your continuous interest and commitment to promote cooperation with the Palestinian universities and academic institutions,” President Hamdallah told the visiting EU diplomatic delegation.
President Hamdallah noted that with over 90 years of experience in educating young people An-Najah National University has been leading the field of superior education not only in Palestine, but in the wider Arab world.   “An-Najah has been molding young Palestinian leaders that will represent the Palestinian people positively and guide our country through turbulent times,” he said.

“At An- Najah we are always striving for improvement and academic excellence,” President Hamdallah added.
President Hamdallah mentioned that the University has been playing a major role and responsibility in building the life and economy in the North of West Bank.  Nablus used to be the economic capital of Palestine, yet economic life has suffered greatly in the aftermath of the Intifada in the year 2000.   During these years, the University continues its work against all the challenges facing this area.
“Our University created life and hope at times of despair in this city and area.  Our experience is a Palestinian story of success par excellence,” he said.
President Hamdallah remarked that the University will host the Palestine Investment Conference in the North of West Bank.  This conference promises to be an important event in this area which has been terribly affected by the Israeli occupation’s measures since the year 2000.
“A s the first high profile investment conference ever held in the North of the West Bank, the University is offering its full support, expertise, and facilities and will be working with all concerned parties to make the conference a great success,” he told the EU high-level visiting delegation.
In the context of Euromed academic cooperation, President Hamdallah highlighted that some progress has already been made towards promoting European-Palestinian cooperation.  For example, the Erasmus Mundus program is implementing mobility programs and promoting dual degree and joint degree programs among its member universities.  PEACE and TEMPUS programs help in creating opportunities for exchange as well.
“But the benefits and implications of these programs are still limited.  Our ambitions are for wider, more intensive and more sustainable cooperation with European universities,” he added.
President Hamdallah said that the Euromed Partnership is more important than ever as its success will create the opportunities that young people need.  He called on for more cooperation which will open doors for a better future on the basis of solid partnership and shared human values.
Dr. Muhesin said the presence of the EU diplomatic delegation sends a powerful message regarding the EU’s commitment to support the Palestinian National Authority, and will motivate us to continue on our path of distinguished progress and cooperation.
Dr. Hileleh said the forthcoming investment conference held later this year at An-Najah National University will try to boost the Palestinian economy.  He mentioned that the conference is part of an effort to bolster the Palestinian economy in the North of West Bank and it is expected to draw about 100 investors, mainly Palestinians living abroad, as well as some 350 local investors.  He said President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad support the initiative to improve the economy in the northern part of the West Bank.
During the meeting, a short documentary designed to give a general understanding of An-Najah its mission, its programs and its students was presented.  The visiting delegation was also given a tour of the University’s New Campus and the University’s Sport Complex.