FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 11, 2012
Canada and Israel: Partners in International Development
Ottawa – The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation and the Embassy of Israel in Canada are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on International Development Cooperation between Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). This agreement marks another step forward in the commitment by both countries to international development and the strong bilateral ties between Canada and Israel.
―Canada and Israel share a bond of friendship and are allies in the democratic family of countries. CIDA is proud to strengthen our cooperation with MASHAV given our common international development objectives,‖ said Minister Fantino. "Through greater cooperation between our two agencies and our shared commitment to helping those most in need around the world, Canada and Israel are contributing to a more secure and prosperous world.‖
The objective of the agreement is to strengthen cooperation in order to foster economic and social development in developing countries with a focus on poverty reduction that is consistent with the principles of sustainable development, the promotion of democracy and the protection of human rights. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation activities that include policy dialogue, enhanced institutional connections, and joint programming/project coordination.
Prior to signing the agreement in Ottawa, Ambassador Daniel Carmon, Head of MASHAV, stated: ―This agreement adds an important ingredient to the close bilateral ties between Canada and Israel.‖ He added, ―Working together we can face—side-by-side—global challenges in development and accomplish our goals in poverty eradication, public health, agriculture, water management, and the empowerment of women in the developing world.‖
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