Ramallah – September 20, 2026: The Customs Police and the Arab American University (AAU) signed a joint cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing collaboration and exchanging expertise and resources. This partnership seeks to serve and develop the community while supplying it with qualified professionals across various disciplines.
The agreement outlines cooperation in education, training, and scientific research, as well as the organization of joint events and the implementation of community initiatives that address societal needs and keep pace with evolving developments.
The signing ceremony took place on Sunday at the university’s campus in Al-Rihan, Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate. The agreement was signed by Major General Iyad Barakat, Commander of the Customs Police, and Dr. Bara Asfour, Acting President of the University. The event was attended by the University’s Founding Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Yousef Asfour, along with staff members from both institutions.
Major General Barakat expressed his appreciation for the collaboration with the Arab American University, commending its leading academic and national role. He also provided an overview of the Customs Police's operations, highlighting its efforts in regulatory oversight, community awareness, and the protection of the national economy.
Major General Barakat emphasized that "signing this agreement marks a significant step toward building a sustainable strategic partnership with the university. It will contribute to bolstering the agency's awareness-raising and community-oriented work, and facilitate the implementation of joint initiatives and research that serve the public interest and promote sustainable development in Palestine."
In turn, Dr. Asfour welcomed the visiting delegation and expressed his pleasure at the signing of the agreement. He noted that the partnership aligns with the university's vision of openness and integration with state institutions—particularly national agencies that play a pivotal role in safeguarding the economy and society. Asfour added: "The agreement reflects shared national and societal values ​​between the two parties and fosters community awareness and institutional integration. We believe that education, training, and scientific research are fundamental tools for state-building and strengthening economic sovereignty. Accordingly, we are committed to forging strategic partnerships with our national institutions—partnerships that contribute to developing academic and practical competencies, particularly among our students, thereby enabling them to enter the labor market with high-level skills and competitiveness."
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the two parties exchanged commemorative plaques in recognition of their national and academic efforts, and their contributions to solidifying the principle of partnership between higher education institutions and national bodies for the benefit of Palestinian society.