Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
A European statement issued in Brussels yesterday evening said that European Foreign Policy Coordinator Josep Borrell met with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in New York, on the sidelines of the seventy-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 20, 2023.
According to the statement, Borrell informed Minister Cohen of the results of the ministerial meeting that he co-chaired on September 18, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the League of Arab States, Egypt and Jordan, to explore ways to revive peace efforts in the Middle East. He stressed that the "Peace Day efforts" that were launched aim to crystallize a positive vision with broad support from the international community to help promote peace, stability and security in the region.
The European Coordinator stressed the importance he attaches to dealing with Israel, one of the European Union's closest partners in the region, as much as possible and keeping it informed of "Peace Day efforts." Borrell indicated that the European Union seeks to hold an open and constructive dialogue with Israel regarding the peace process in the Middle East. The European Union and its member states remain strongly committed to the two-state solution and are ready to contribute to the peace process. They also discussed bilateral relations, as well as regional issues.
Borrell stressed that the European Union is keen to expand strong cooperation with Israel. The European Union and Israel stressed their desire to further deepen their bilateral dialogue, including during the next meeting of the Association Council, which is scheduled to be held soon.
They looked forward to Borrell's upcoming visit to Israel at the beginning of December. The High Representative will also visit Palestine on this occasion.
On Tuesday, September 19, Borrell met with Palestinian Prime Minister Muhammad Shtayyeh in New York, on the sidelines of the seventy-eighth session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The European Coordinator reiterated the European Union's support for the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority. The European Union remains committed to reaching a just, comprehensive and negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, on the basis of the two-state solution. With these goals in mind, Borrell stressed that he looks forward to the high-level political dialogue between the EU foreign ministers and the Palestinian Authority, scheduled to be held in November.
They also discussed the deteriorating situation on the ground, which has witnessed an unprecedented number of Palestinian and Israeli casualties this year. The High Representative stressed the need for the two sides to work together to put an end to terrorism and incitement to violence and to stop unilateral measures that further undermine the prospects for a two-state solution.
The European official stressed the importance of holding the long-awaited national elections and working to achieve Palestinian reconciliation.