BICOM

Foreign Secretary William Hague welcomed growing UK-Israel cooperation in the hi-tech sector as well as a significant increase in bilateral trade, after meeting with Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Dan Meridor in London yesterday. Hague described the bilateral relationship as “strong and deep.”

Hague said his talks with Meridor dealt with security issues, mainly dealing with Iran’s nuclear drive. Hague noted, “We both recognise the seriousness of the threat posed by the Iranian nuclear programme and agree on the urgent need for Iran to co-operate fully with the IAEA and engage in meaningful talks with the E3+3.  I outlined Britain’s policy of a dual track approach of pressure and engagement, while keeping all options on the table.”

Meridor, who is on a two-day official visit to the UK, also met Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt and National Security Adviser Sir Kim Darroch.

Britain is working hard to increase cooperation between the UK and Israel in the high-tech sector, following the establishment of the British-Israeli Technological Council. The Foreign Secretary noted that trade between the two countries increased last year by 34% to £3.75 billion.

Hague added that the talks with Meridor dealt with efforts for reaching a settlement between Israel and the Palestinian, and added that both sides need to make efforts “to avoid steps that run counter to a two-state solution”.