 |
VOLUME 13-14: 1992-1994
|
|
| |
| |
270. Foreign Ministry Statement on Principles of Agreement between Israel and the European Union, 19 December 1994.
Israel attached enormous importance to re-negotiating its 1975 agreement with the European Common Market nations. Much work was invested in this effort, since some 40% of Israel's foreign trade is with the nations of the EU, which means that it is Israel's main market. Therefore it was with satisfaction that Israel learned of the EU decision to formulate new principles upon which a new agreement will be based. Text of the Foreign Ministry statement follows:
Yesterday (Monday), 19 December 94, the Foreign Ministry received with satisfaction the announcement of the current president of the EU's Foreign Ministers' Council, German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel, that the principles of the new agreement between Israel and the EU had been finalized, This is a significant step for Israel in its relations with the European Union, as it will broaden Israel's industrial and agricultural trade with the EU. Israel attaches special importance to the R&D section of the agreement which will allow Israel to take an active role in this area. Other new and important issues which were added to the agreement include financial services, access to government procurements and cooperation regarding culture, communication, the war against drugs, social security, and others. The new agreement also paves the way for intensive dialogue on political matters.
At its last convention in Essen, the EU announced its recognition of Israel's unprecedented "special status" and mutual, common interests regarding relations with Europe. Other issues in the agreement which have not yet been finalized will be addressed so that the agreement may be signed soon. |
|
| |