Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Meeting of British Foreign Secretary William Hague with Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman


Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman (L) and British Foreign Secretary William Hague sign a bilateral film co-production agreement marking resumption of cooperation between Israel and UK film industries, in Jerusraem on November 3, 2010. (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)

November 03, 2010 (KATAKAMI / BRITISH EMBASSY IN ISRAEL) --- The meeting focused on the status of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians and the need to get beyond the current impasse. 

The Rt. Hon. William Hague MP, First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs met with Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman on 3 November as part of his first visit to Israel as Foreign Secretary.

Their meeting focused on the status of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians and the need to get beyond the current impasse. In addition they discussed shared concerns including the threat posed by Iran’s attempts to obtain a nuclear weapon capability and the need for international cooperation against terrorism. The two Ministers also discussed Middle East regional developments, including the situations in Yemen, Iraq, and Sudan.

The meeting was also a chance to build on the UK’s and Israel’s strong bilateral relationship. The Foreign Secretary reiterated the UK government’s commitment to urgently resolve the “unacceptable situation” with regard to universal jurisdiction. 

Both Ministers expressed their appreciation for the breadth and intensity of official exchanges between the two Governments and affirmed their shared commitment to an early meeting of the High-Level UK-Israel Strategic Dialogue. Both Ministers also touched upon the strength and depth of current partnerships in areas such as business, science and innovation.

At the end of their meeting, Foreign Secretary Hague and Foreign Minister Liberman signed a Film Co-production Agreement, marking another milestone in the extensive cultural cooperation between the two countries.

(MS)