Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, will begin his tour of the Middle East from 20 to 24 November. According to a statement issued in Brussels on the eve of the visit, today, Wednesday 20, the High Representative will attend a meeting with King Abdullah II in Amman, and will also deliver a speech at the University of Jordan, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Rym Ali.
On Thursday 21, he will meet with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi, and a joint press conference will be held following the meeting. The High Representative will also meet with a number of Palestinian leaders.
On Friday 22, the High Representative will travel to Cyprus, where he will address the Two-State Coalition for Israel/Palestine event with civil society organizations from both countries on Saturday.
On Sunday 24, he will head to Lebanon for several bilateral meetings, including with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces Joseph Aoun, and UN representatives in the country.
In light of the catastrophic situation in Gaza and the military escalation in Lebanon, the trip will be an opportunity to continue discussions with partners in the region on possible ways to move forward towards a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and long-term practical steps based on the two-state solution.