From 22nd to 24th of May, Roberta METSOLA, EP President visits the State of Israel. The President is in Jerusalem, meets MICKEY Levy, Speaker of the Knesset and delivers a speech at the Knesset Special Plenary Session.

EU - Israel (T)

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

Israel

president's agenda

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to the State of Israel: arrival at the Knesset, Meeting with Mickey LEVY, Speaker of the Knesset and extracts from the address in the Special Plenary session

Exterior shots of the Knesset in Jerusalem with flags of the State of Israel and the European Union

Arrival of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to the Knesset, welcomed by Mickey LEVY, Speaker of the Knesset

Roberta METSOLA, EP President signs the guests book of the Knesset

Handshake between Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Mickey LEVY, Speaker of the Knesset

Arrival of Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to the Chamber of the Knesset

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, I am here to bring the message of Europe, to underline that the ties between our peoples are deep and the bond we share is one that has been forged in the horror of our common history. A bond made in suffering and in salvation.  A bond whose strength lies in its openness, honesty, straightforwardness &ndash; even criticism &ndash; but a bond that has and will withstand the test of time.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Today I want to focus on the future. About the strong partnership that exists between Europe and Israel and how we can develop this further. About strengthening the links between the European Parliament and this Knesset. I&rsquo;m here to talk about improving ties in culture, in science, in trade, in education, in arts, in research and in technology. About peace. About facing the future together.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, My message today is about hope. Hope in peace. Hope in healing. Hope in the future. Hope in justice. Hope in the certainty of belief. Belief in the will of people and the ability of our generation to overcome; to address the challenges that have eluded generations past.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, <p>The European Parliament firmly supports the Middle East Peace Process. We support a two-state solution - with the secure State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security. </p>

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, I know that not everyone sees peace as a goal. And I know how hard it must be to tell a mother whose child has been killed that peace is the answer. And there are too many such mothers. Far too many. But Peace is the only way forward. The only way for Israelis and Palestinians to live in safety and prosperity.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, <p>Let me end by underlining that the European Parliament will always be a strong ally in the search for a way forward, in the quest for peace and all the resources at our disposal will be made available for that aim. </p>