London conference looks to prosperous Palestinian stateAFP Tuesday December 13, 08:12 PM
LONDON (AFP) - Representatives of Israel and the Palestinian Authority backed calls by business leaders to drive forward the creation of an economically and politically viable, independent Palestinian state.
They supported a joint declaration signed by Palestinian and Israeli private sector leaders that identified regulatory reform, private sector participation and security as keys to revitalising the Palestinian economy.
It was signed and presented at a conference, entitled 'Promoting Economic Growth in the West Bank and Gaza through the Private Sector' and hosted by the British government and the World Bank.
Speaking at the London meeting, the British finance minister, Gordon Brown, hailed the declaration as a "historic step towards peace."
"Trade and economic cooperation are the economic foundation, not just for prosperity but for peace and security in this region," he added.
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