JERUSALEM, October 6, 2021—Today, World Bank Group President David Malpass held meetings with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman, and Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz of Israel.
President Malpass highlighted the challenges facing Sudan, Jordan, and the West Bank, drawing on his recent visits and the World Bank Group’s work in each.
President 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.
President Malpass highlighted the World Bank Group’s work throughout the MENA region, as well as globally, on health, human capital, digitalization, the COVID-19 response, and accelerating access to vaccines in developing countries. President Malpass and the authorities discussed Israel’s work on digital health and development.
President Malpass also expressed appreciation for Israel’s support for the IDA20 replenishment.
