NIS local government leaders learn from Israeli experience

A seven-day seminar on municipal problems for local government leaders from the Newly Independent States (NIS) ended today in Tel Aviv. The seminar was organized by the Israeli Foreign Ministry's Center for International Cooperation and the Center for Local Government of Israel. 29 leaders from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Estonia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and the Kyrghyz Republic participated.

The Center for Local Government of Israel press service told Rosbalt that governors, mayors, deputy mayors and heads of city departments from the NIS became acquainted with the particulars of city management and city administration in Israel. They visited several Israeli cities and met with leaders of the cities and Russian-speaking city figures.

Organizers and participants of the seminar were satisfied with the results. Mayor of Kamenets-Podolsky (Ukraine) Alexander Masurchak said that 'we have something to borrow from Israeli experience particularly in the area of social protection, planting of trees and gardens and accomplishments.' Frunzen District Director (Saratov) Oleg Fadeev said 'there were impressionable examples of spirit and professionalism in all spheres of municipal activity.'