On 5 March 2008, An-Najah's Faculty of Law had the honor to welcome the Spanish Consul General in Jerusalem.  He spoke to a class of Law students about Spanish cooperation with countries around the world and with the Palestinian Territories more specifically.

The Consul began by outlining the impressive increase in Spanish economic aid to countries around the world in recent years.  The positive change was the due of two different impulses, one from the Spanish government and one from the Spanish people.

As a result of these pressures, the government drafted “El Plan director” in 2004 to guide Spanish economic, social and political cooperation with other nations.  The plan aims at improving Spanish cooperation policies and Spanish foreign policy more generally.  The United Nations Millennium Development Goals are key components of the Plan as Spain strives to meet its global responsibilities in the 21^st century.

After explaining the recent increase in Spanish global cooperation, the Consul moved to the specifics of Spanish cooperation with the Palestinian Territories.  Spain is currently one of the strongest financial and moral supporters of the Palestinian people.  The Consul assured the audience that this was not a diplomatic announcement, but a statement of fact verified by international and Palestinian organizations.  Even before the 1991 Madrid Conference, Spain supported an independent and democratic Palestine.

Last year, Spain gave almost 8 million euros to improve life in the Palestinian Territories.  Currently, there are 240 million euros in planned projects for the coming years.  This funding is intended to strengthen all sectors of society.  For example, Spain focuses on governability by improving political structures, observing elections and previously helping to draft the Palestinian constitutional document.

Spain hopes to create a climate of peace and security for all Palestinians.  To accomplish this goal, the government has  decided to invest heavily in the education sector.  Primary education is one of the fundamental ways in which a people develops itself.  Spain has founded an education center in Gaza, increased the teaching of Spanish in local schools and strengthened cooperation with Palestinian universities.  While there are currently significant Spanish ties with Al-Qasa University, many serious attempts are being made at deepening relations with An Najah.

As the session came to a close, the Consul briefly highlighted Spain’s cooperation in the areas of agriculture, conservation of cultural heritage sites and energy.  The Consul’s speech was an excellent educational opportunity for Law students and a positive sign for An-Najah.  As Spanish foreign cooperation expands, the University looks forward to a strengthened relationship with Spanish donors and Spanish universities.