Istanbul: Trkiye and the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) signed an agreement on Monday to establish a UNRWA office in the country, according to the agency. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 51st Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Istanbul. This development is seen as a significant milestone in the relationship between the agency and Trkiye, highlighting the country's political and financial support to UNRWA.

According to Anadolu Agency, Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the agency, welcomed the move, describing it as a "strategic decision" that would help expand the agency's political and financial support base. He commended the Turkish government for its increased humanitarian assistance to UNRWA during the war, which included a combination of funding for lifesaving operations and the provision of wheat flour to the people of Gaza.

UNRWA stated that the new office would enable the agency to diversify and expand its political and financial support base. The Host Country Agreement is expected to enhance cooperation between UNRWA and the government of Trkiye, allowing the agency to build a stronger partnership with Turkish institutions and the public.

Trkiye has been a member of the UNRWA Advisory Commission since 1949, consistently supporting the agency's efforts to serve Palestinian refugees. For decades, UNRWA has provided essential services, including primary healthcare, education, and emergency assistance, to Palestinian refugees in various regions, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.