High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union/Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell today held a phone call with Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.
Borrell congratulated Minister Ashkenazi on his appointment and recalled that the EU looks forward to continue working with the new Israeli government in a constructive and comprehensive way, in the spirit of the "longstanding friendship" that binds the EU and Israel together.
They discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues. Borrell underlined the EU’s "unequivocal commitment to the security of the State of Israel, which is not negotiable for the EU." He reaffirmed the EU's intention to address jointly issues of mutual interest and concern and to work with Israel to promote "global peace and security and to contribute to building trust, in particular in the region and the immediate neighborhood."
Borrell underlined the broad and deep nature of the mutual relationship, with its strong political, historic, and cultural ties. He expressed willingness to carry forward EU-Israel cooperation in a number of areas and invited Minister Ashkenazi to Brussels to continue their exchange of views with fellow ministers as soon as conditions allow. Borrell and Minister Ashkenazi agreed to remain in close contact.