Japan grants 506 million yens to al-Quds university

The government of Japan has decided to extend a 506-million yens in assistance to the Palestinian government for the supply of equipment to the College of Medicine in al-Quds University.

Notes to this effect were exchanged on Sunday in Gaza between Palestinian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Nabil Shaath and the Japanese ambassador to Israel, Yutaka Kawashima, a press release by the Japanese embassy in Rabat said.

Soon after the proclamation of the autonomy in 1994, the Palestinian government founded the college of medicine in Al-Quds University to produce its own doctors. Construction work actually started, but due to financial constraints, the university faced difficulties in procuring the necessary equipment, a fact that prompted the Palestinian Authority to seek Japan's assistance.

The medical college will train some 420 students, which will systematically increase the number of doctors in the autonomous areas and will improve the health and medical services provided for the Palestinians.

Since the peace accord was reached between the Israelis and the Palestinians in 1993, Japan has extended a total of approximately $421.06 million in assistance to the Palestinians, the press release said, adding that Japan will cooperate actively for the support of the Middle East peace process.