CANBERRA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government on Tuesday announced new funding to support the recovery in Gaza and strengthen the foundations of the Palestinian state.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Minister for International Development Anne Aly said in a joint statement that Australia will provide 15 million Australian dollars (10.5 million U.S. dollars) to the UN Horizon Fund and 10 million AUD (7 million U.S. dollars) to the World Bank's Palestinian Fund for Reconstruction and Development.
They said that the funding would support Palestinian-led efforts to strengthen public institutions, improve economic management and advance democratic governance.
"This package demonstrates Australia's practical commitment to Palestinian recovery, reform and institution-building," Wong said.
Aly said that the new funding will support Australia's existing humanitarian assistance. ■