Date of release : 18-01-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations

Event : Visit of Jean Asselborn to the Middle East on 19 and 20 January

During his visit to the Middle East on 19 and 20 January 2005, the President of the Council of the European Union and Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn will travel to Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

On 19 January, Jean Asselborn will hold talks with Israeli President Moshe Katzav, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sylvan Shalom.

On 20 January, the President of the Council will meet in Gaza with the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmud Abbas and the Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath.

On the evening of 20 January, Jean Asselborn will give a speech at the Interdisciplinary Centre Herzliya on the topic “The European Union as an External Actor".