Communicated by the Foreign
Ministry Spokesman
 Jerusalem, January 16, 2000

EU Presidency Delegation to Visit Israel

 

A delegation of the European Union Presidency will arrive in Israel tomorrow (January 17, 2000) for a one day visit, and will meet Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy for a working session at 10:00.

The delegation is headed by the Foreign Minister of Portugal, Mr. Jaime Gama, who is accompanied by the Secretary General of the Council of Ministers and High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy of the EU Javier Solano, Commission Representative Christian Lefflear, and EU Special Envoy Miguel Moratinos.

During the delegation's stay in Israel, it will meet with President Ezer Weizman, Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and Minister for Regional Development Shimon Peres.

The delegation's visit to Israel is part of a regional tour including Syria, Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Jordan and Egypt, the purpose of which is to demonstrate the EU's involvement in the peace process as well as it's interests in the region.

This is the first visit since the Portuguese assumption of the rotating presidency, and Mr Solano's first visit in his current capacities.

The Portuguese presidency of the EU commenced on January 1, and is expected to continue for a term of six months.