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David Cameron urges peace on first Israel visit as PM | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
David Cameron has spoken of the need for a peace deal as he visited Israel for the first time since becoming prime minister. | |
Ahead of talks with his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr Cameron said a settlement between Israel and Palestine was "absolutely vital for our world". | |
Mr Netanyahu said the two leaders had "a lot to talk about". | |
On Thursday, Mr Cameron will meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. | |
Also on the agenda are the UK's trade links with Israel and the conflict in Syria. | |
Welcoming Mr Cameron, Mr Netanyahu said: "We are two robust democracies, technological societies that I believe can seize the future by co-operating together". | |
He spoke of the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and achieve a "secure and enduring peace between Israel and the Palestinians". | |
Mr Cameron responded: "I am here as a good friend and strong supporter of Israel. | |
"Under my prime ministership, I think we have seen the British-Israeli relationship go from strength to strength and I am committed to strengthening that relationship still further." | |
He said the "danger and threat" of a nuclear-armed Iran had to be avoided. | |
Speaking shortly after arriving in Tel Aviv, Mr Cameron said: "I think actually getting a peace settlement between Israel and Palestine is absolutely vital for our world. | Speaking shortly after arriving in Tel Aviv, Mr Cameron said: "I think actually getting a peace settlement between Israel and Palestine is absolutely vital for our world. |
"The two-state solution is the right answer, so I am here to do everything I can to persuade Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas to take the bold and courageous decisions to bring that two-state solution to pass. | |
"I also want to deepen the relationship between Britain and Israel. Britain is a great friend to Israel, we have very strong trading links, very strong technology links and I want to see that grow." | "I also want to deepen the relationship between Britain and Israel. Britain is a great friend to Israel, we have very strong trading links, very strong technology links and I want to see that grow." |
The PM was forced to postpone a planned two-day trip to the region last month to remain in the UK to lead the emergency response to the floods. | |
He last visited Israel as opposition leader in 2009. | He last visited Israel as opposition leader in 2009. |
He is leading a 17-strong UK business delegation, seeking to encourage links between technology and innovation sectors in the UK and Israel. | He is leading a 17-strong UK business delegation, seeking to encourage links between technology and innovation sectors in the UK and Israel. |
'Competitive edge' | 'Competitive edge' |
"Our tech partnership is the strongest of any in the world and we should capitalise on this - creating more jobs back in Britain and delivering economic security for hard-working families," added Mr Cameron. | "Our tech partnership is the strongest of any in the world and we should capitalise on this - creating more jobs back in Britain and delivering economic security for hard-working families," added Mr Cameron. |
"I've got a planeload of innovative British companies coming with me and we'll be linking them up with Israeli businesses so they can forge new partnerships that will give them a competitive edge in the global race." | "I've got a planeload of innovative British companies coming with me and we'll be linking them up with Israeli businesses so they can forge new partnerships that will give them a competitive edge in the global race." |
He said he also wanted to see the Palestinian economy develop and that he would be detailing new UK support to help Palestinian businesses become more competitive. | He said he also wanted to see the Palestinian economy develop and that he would be detailing new UK support to help Palestinian businesses become more competitive. |
The visit comes at a sensitive time in efforts to secure a lasting agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians. | The visit comes at a sensitive time in efforts to secure a lasting agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians. |
The US has said it hopes to get the backing of both sides for a framework document addressing the most contentious issues around the "two-state solution" sought by the international community. | The US has said it hopes to get the backing of both sides for a framework document addressing the most contentious issues around the "two-state solution" sought by the international community. |
Unresolved issues include: | Unresolved issues include: |
There has been little sign of progress since July, when direct talks resumed after a three-year hiatus. | There has been little sign of progress since July, when direct talks resumed after a three-year hiatus. |
The Palestinians suspended the last round of talks in 2010 after a 10-month partial moratorium on settlement construction expired. | The Palestinians suspended the last round of talks in 2010 after a 10-month partial moratorium on settlement construction expired. |
The European Union is Israel's largest trading partner as well as the biggest donor to the Palestinian Authority. | The European Union is Israel's largest trading partner as well as the biggest donor to the Palestinian Authority. |
Mr Cameron has hosted both Mr Netanyahu and Mr Abbas in Downing Street since 2010. | Mr Cameron has hosted both Mr Netanyahu and Mr Abbas in Downing Street since 2010. |