Paris, September 17, 2003
High-level France-Israel Group
Joint Communique of the Israeli and French Foreign Ministries
France and Israel welcome the signing on September 16 of the report of the conclusions of the high-level France-Israel Group by the French and Israeli co-chairs, Professor David Khayat and Ambassador Yehuda Lancry. Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin was present for the signing.
The two foreign ministers launched the work of the Group in Jerusalem on May 25 when Mr. de Villepin was visiting Israel. A charter of Franco-Israeli friendship, the Group's conclusions are a key element in the relationship that France and Israel wish to develop in the future. The implementation of the recommendations will lead to a new dynamic in their bilateral relations through the development of exchanges, dialogue and cooperation in all areas.
In accordance with its mandate, which was to consider the prospects for developing bilateral relations between the two countries and make concrete proposals, the high-level Group identified a series of projects, symbolic and concrete, to give new stimulus to our relations in all the basic areas: political and economic exchanges, trade, art, science, culture and research.
The text of the Group's conclusions will be on line on the sites of the two Foreign Ministries.
Yehuda Lancry and David Khayat will be responsible for following up on the recommendations in liaisons with the French and Israel Foreign Ministries and departments concerned.