Bethlehem - Ma'an - Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Hani Al-Hayek, stressed the importance of the tourist and archaeological sites that the city of Ramallah embraces. The minister's statement came during an inspection visit to a number of tourist and archaeological sites in the presence of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Saleh Tawafsheh. Al-Haik began his tour by visiting the Ramallah Municipality, where he was received by Mr. Issa Qassis and a number of members of the Municipal Council and the Municipality team. They discussed ways to establish an archaeological park that would contribute to developing the archaeological reality in Ramallah. The delegation then headed to visit the Ramallah Tourist Center, the City Museum, Locanda Farah, Khirbet al-Tira, al-Kamandjati, and Hawsh al-Zibaq. Al-Haik said: These sites constitute an important part of the Palestinian national identity, and we are working on a number of plans and programs that will revive the archaeologi cal sites, by increasing the presence of citizens in them, which will contribute to protecting and preserving them. Minister Al-Hayek pointed out the importance of partnership and cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and various municipalities in Palestine, "as they are partners in developing archaeological and heritage sites, and in work plans and programs that will revive these sites and increase the presence of visitors and tourists in them." For his part, Ramallah Mayor Issa Qassis welcomed Minister Hayek and his accompanying team, expressing the municipality's happiness with this visit, which comes within the framework of coordination and cooperation between the two parties on a number of different issues. Qassis added that the municipality is making great efforts in strategic planning for the city of Ramallah on the one hand, and preserving and protecting historical and archaeological landmarks on the other hand, pointing to the complementary relationship and distinguished part nership between the municipality and the ministry. Source: Maan News Agency