The Spanish Consul-General, Alfonso Lucini Mateo, and the Head of Cooperation of the Consulate General of Spain in Jerusalem, Eva Suárez Leonardo, met last week with the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA),  Philippe Lazzarini.

At the meeting, Commissioner-General Lazzarini acknowledged Spain's continuous support to UNRWA and expressed appreciation for Spain's financial support last year, in particular the EUR 8 million donated in support of core services.

In their exchange, the Consul-General expressed that the Spanish Agency for Development and Cooperation has the intention of maintaining in 2022 the same levels of funding as 2021.

“During my recent visit to Gaza, I was impressed by the work, the quality of services and the management of UNRWA schools in Gaza. The role of UNRWA in the region is essential,” said Mateo.

Commissioner-General Lazzarini noted, "We are extremely thankful for Spain's steadfast support to UNRWA. The commitment of the Government of Spain to the Agency and the Palestine refugees we serve has been key for decades."

In 2021, Spain contributed over US$ 17 million to support the Agency’s vital services to millions Palestine refugees across the Middle East.