PM Bennett Meets with World Bank Group President Malpass

Jerusalem, 7 October, 2021 (TPS) -- Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met on Wednesday in Jerusalem with World Bank Group President David Malpass.

Malpass is on a regional tour of Sudan, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority and Israel.

Bennett and Malpass met privately and then held an expanded working meeting with the participation of several key Israeli officials.

Bennett noted “the great potential for cooperation” between the World Bank and Israel.

Among the topics discussed were “regional issues as well as areas of future cooperation in trade, health, climate, energy and water,” Bennett’s office stated.

Malpass stated that he highlighted the challenges facing Sudan, Jordan, and the West Bank, drawing on his recent visits and the World Bank Group’s work in each.

Malpass and Israeli authorities discussed “ways to improve regional economic growth and stability, including through trade facilitation with Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza.”

They also discussed the potential for further regional cooperation on key sectors, including banking, water, energy, and electricity.

Malpass and the authorities discussed Israel’s work on digital health and development.

President Malpass also expressed appreciation for Israel’s support for the International Development Association (IDA) replenishment, its fund for the world’s poorest countries.