Israel: Stronger parliamentary ties are excellent platform for improving long-term cooperation

On day two of his official visit to Israel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Lukšić held meetings with Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, chairman of the foreign policy and defence committee and MP Zeev Elkin, and Israel’s justice minister and chief negotiator in the latest round of peace talks with Palestinian authorities Tzipi Livni.

Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein noted that DPM Lukšić’s visit is very important for further development of the two friendly countries’ relations and he welcomed the productive meetings Mr Lukšić has had with Government officials on the first day of his visit. He reiterated the fact that the two parliaments cherish an excellent cooperation in multilateral forums and he voiced Knesset’s interest in furthering its relations with Montenegro’s Parliament. He also noted that the closer cooperation of the two parliaments will lay an excellent foundation for long-term cooperation in all areas. The two officials discussed concrete opportunities for boosting cooperation.

Minister Lukšić also met with chairman of the foreign policy and defence committee and MP Zeev Elkin. He informed Mr Elkin about domestic reforms and Montenegro’s key foreign policy priorities. Mr Elkin voiced Israel’s strong support to Montenegro’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations and voiced an interest in establishing inter-parliamentary groups and intensifying cooperation between the two foreign policy committees. He informed Mr Lukšić thoroughly about current developments and democratic processes in Israel.

Minister Livni informed Minister Lukšić about the current developments and challenges in the negotiations with Palestinian authorities and she made remarks on the perspective of this process and the important role of the international community in supporting a peaceful agreement. The ministers also spoke about the quality of bilateral relations between Montenegro and Israel and noted the importance of their further development, especially through cooperation in the areas of rule of law, strengthening the judiciary, and exchanging experience in the areas of justice, security, and human rights protection.