President Shimon Peres on Wednesday afternoon met with the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz. During the meeting they discussed the peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians and the deepening of relations between Israel and the European Union.

President Peres welcomed Mr. Schulz and said, “Our policy is equality. We want to see our neighbors succeed. Our intention is to live in peace, not just diplomatically but also economically.” President Peres also addressed the European role in the negotiations with the PA (Palestinian Authority) and said, “I thank you for your ongoing interest in peace which is at a crucial time. We negotiate because we disagree and we are all making major efforts to overcome those differences. We welcome the EU offer of a special status for us and the Palestinians after we reach an agreement. We appreciate Secretary Kerry’s efforts and your support for them; this is a great opportunity and one that we should not miss. You were right (in the Knesset speech) about the dangers of missiles, terror seeks to divide and destroy but the terrorists are destroying their own future and that of their own nations. ”

President Schulz thanked President Peres both for his welcome and the address he delivered to the European Parliament last year and said that scientific development cooperation is exceptional. He added that economic, scientific, academic and research collaboration between the EU and Israel should be deepened further still. President Schulz added that he was speaking on behalf of all the European Union countries when he says that the EU is committed to Israel’s security and was investing heavily in improving the daily lives of people in the region to increase their support for peace while supporting Secretary Kerry’s peace efforts.

President Peres took the opportunity to thank President Schulz for the warm reception he received in the European Parliament last year and said of the relations between Israel and the European Union, “Europe is more than just a center, it is the focus of our economic, scientific and cultural ties. We are the only non-EU member of Horizon 20/20 and we are grateful for that.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)