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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charles Flanagan T.D., will today continue his working visit to the Middle East with meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

Minister Flanagan said:

“Coming so soon after the Paris conference on the Middle East Peace Process, this visit gives me an opportunity to hear the views of the parties on the French initiative and on the wider Process.

"The international dimension - including the support of friends in the US and the European Union - has been of enormous importance to peace on our own island. I believe that that experience can be relevant to efforts to secure peace between the Israeli and Palestinian sides.

"While I believe firmly that the international community has a role in supporting efforts towards peace, ultimately agreement must from negotiations between the two parties.

"The purpose of my visit is to get a better understanding of recent developments and to consider how Ireland might best support the French-led efforts and, in the end, support the parties.”

Minister Flanagan is expected to meet with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Israel, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, and with the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mr. Rami Hamdallah, and the Palestinian Foreign Minister, Mr. Riad Malki.

He will also meet the leader of Zionist Union, MK Isaac Herzog, whose grandfather Isaac was Chief Rabbi of Ireland.

Minister Flanagan was one of the participants at a Conference on the Middle East Peace Process convened by France on 3rd June. Ten EU Member States were invited to participate. The Minister is supportive of the French efforts to inject new momentum into the peace process.

This is his second visit to the region as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.