Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders: “We are keen to build good relations between the EU and Israel”

Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders: “We are keen to build good relations between the EU and Israel”

During his visit in the region Foreign Minister Didier Reynders met the Israeli President Reuven Rivlin yesterday (9 May).

The 9th of May, also called Schuman Day, is celebrated as Europe Day, a day for peace and unity in Europe.

Noting that Europe Day was being celebrated, Rivlin said that “This day reminds everyone about the need for freedom and for all humanity to stand together against racism and fascism.”

He reiterated his condolences to the people of Belgium following the attacks there. “We know very well the terrible pain of terror, because terror is terror whether it happens in Brussels, Antwerp, Tel Aviv, or Jerusalem."

"What we are witnessing in our region today is the spirit of fundamentalism which is a phenomenon of concern to the whole world,” Rivlin said. “I know that many of the leaders in Europe are eager to keep Europe free, open, and united – I would like to see the same thing in the Middle East, but first we must build understanding and create confidence measures between us and the Palestinians."

Reynders thanked the President for his words after the terrorist attack in Brussels in March. “It was not just against us, it was against the international community and against our values. Thank you also for our collaboration in the fight against terror; we have exchanged information, and we have much cooperation."

He added, "We are keen to build the good relations between the EU and Israel, like between Belgium and Israel. I know there is much business activity between our two peoples and there have been many trade delegations."

The Brussels Times


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