Foreign Minister Tuomioja visited Israel and the Palestinian territories
As regards to the Middle East peace process, we are currently living an important phase when considering the possibilities of reviving peace talks. During his visit, Foreign Minister Tuomioja highlighted Finland and the EU’s view on the importance and urgency of the need to continue negotiations.
Foreign Minister Tuomioja visited Israel and the Palestinian territories on 19–22 May. The topics of discussion between Foreign Minister Tuomioja and the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian territories concerned particularly the status of the Middle East peace process, the regional situation and bilateral relations.
Discussions on the regional situation addressed the Syrian crisis in particular, and all parties shared the same concern about its impact on the stability of the entire region.
The bilateral relations between Israel and Finland and the Finnish relations with the Palestinian National Authority were deemed to be good.
Finland and Palestine are societies with a favourable attitude towards education
Foreign Minister Tuomioja visited also Gaza, where he received the Honorary Doctor's degree (Doctor Honoris Causa) within the field of international humanitarian justice from the local University of Palestine. The University of Palestine, established in 2005, is a private university in Gaza, with no party alignment.
“A significant factor in the development of the state of Finland has been the Finnish educational system, which is today known as one of the best in the world. Finland and Palestine rightly share a reputation as societies with a favourable attitude towards education. The achievements of the Palestinians are even more remarkable, considering the difficult circumstances. I firmly believe that good education enables people to participate in common decision-making in a constructive manner,” Tuomioja pointed out in his speech at the university.
Tuomioja’s visit to Gaza was hosted by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). During the visit, Finland also announced additional funding for UNRWA, amounting to 1.5 million euros.
A discussion event sought solutions to the Near East situation
In addition to bilateral meetings, during the visit interesting views on the Middle East peace process were also heard at a discussion event on the Geneva Initiative. The Geneva Initiative is a model proposal for peace accord published in 2003. The discussion highlighted the different conflict issues and general conditions for solution of the conflict.
In Israel, Minister Tuomioja met with President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of International Relations Yuval Steinitz, Minister of Justice Tzipi Livni, Deputy Foreing Minister Zeev Elkin, and leader of the Israeli Labour Party Shelly Yachimovich.
Tuomioja met also representatives of the Palestinian National Authority, including President Mahmoud Abbas and Foreign Minister Riad Malki.