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EU's foreign policy chief Javier Solana (R) with Israeli president Shimon Peres.
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BRUSSELS (EJP)---The EU’s foreign policy chief said that "Israel is and will always be a key strategic partner for the European Union."
In an interview with the European Jewish Press, Javier Solana stressed that this week’s celebration of the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the State of Israel "marks the realization of an old dream that was inspired by European ideas and thinkers from Europe."
"I express my warmest congratulations to the Israeli leaders and the people of Israel on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the State of Israel. This landmark anniversary honours the ideals of the fathers of your nation," Javier Solana told EJP.
Underlining the importance that the European Union attaches to its relations with Israel, Solana added: "I am well aware of the traditional links, the cultural and human values, and the economic and security interests that Europe shares with Israel."
Israel and the European Community first established contractual relations in 1975 by signing a cooperation agreement.
Then on the basis of the 1994 Essen EU Council conclusions, which gave Israel privileged status vis-à-vis the EU, the EU concluded an Association Agreement and developed relations even further in the context of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.
The ‘Action Plan’ signed in 2005 in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) takes this process still further by setting out in more detail a comprehensive set of jointly developed priorities.
"All this clearly presents a concrete opportunity to continue our ongoing dialogue and also to seek ways to further improve our bilateral relations," Solana said.
The EU diplomat, who made several trips to the Middle East in the last months, also stressed that Israel and the Palestinians should not lose sight of the importance of reaching a peace agreement by the end of 2008.
"Negotiations on final status issues are taking place for the first time since the year 2000. In Annapolis, in November last year, Israel and the Palestinian committed to reach an agreement by the end of 2008. We knew that reaching this goal would not be easy, but negotiations are intensive and are continuing despite all the obstacles."
He added:"Israel and the Palestinians should not lose sight of the importance of this and do all the necessary efforts, with the support of the EU and the international community to make this ambitious goal a reality."
"This remains a historic opportunity for peace, it should not be wasted," Solana added.
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