Foreign Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela exchanged views with Israeli Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Benjamin Netanyahu, in Tel Aviv, Israel.

The meeting agenda included bilateral and multilateral relations, as well as the state of play with regard to peace and security in the Mediterranean and in the Middle East. Minister Abela was in Israel on an official visit.

"Malta is pleased with the development of bilateral relations with Israel over the past years," Minister Abela told Prime Minister Netanyahu. "Our bilateral relations are stronger than ever, particularly at a cultural and commercial level, and we look forward to building on this momentum over the coming months to further strengthen our ties. Our intention is to also consolidate the political momentum towards an ever-closer partnership. More broadly, this visit is also opportune considering developments in the region, in relation to which we view Israel as an important regional ally and anticipate constructive discussions in this regard."

In Israel, the Foreign Minister also held talks with Michael Oren, Deputy Minister in the Israeli Prime Minister's Office; Tzipi Livni, former Opposition Leader and former Foreign Minister, and currently Head of the HaTnuah political party; and Fernando Gentilini, the EU Special Representative to the Middle East Peace Process.

Furthermore, the Minister visited the Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, where he laid a wreath on behalf of the Government and the people of Malta. While in Jerusalem, he also met with members of the Maltese community in the Holy Land. During his official visit to Israel, the minister was accompanied by Malta's Ambassador to Israel, Cecilia Attard-Pirotta.