Middle East predominant topic at meeting between Bildt and Rice
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt met his American colleague Condoleeza Rice today in Washington. The discussions largely focused on the peace process in the Middle East and the forthcoming meeting in Annapolis at the end of November.
Mr Carl Bildt and Ms Condoleezza Rice in Washington. Photo: Anders J Ericson/MFA.
"I stated the importance of achieving final status negotiations, starting in Annapolis, a process that will hopefully continue in the coming year. It is crucial now to get business, employment and the economy moving on the West Bank and solve the problems in Gaza. We must find a structure for a peace agreement that is accepted in referendums by both Palestinians and Israelis. This will require substantial efforts on the part of the USA and Europe," said Mr Bildt when he met the press after the meeting.
"Sweden may be given a significant role in the establishment of a future Palestinian state. We are already the largest bilateral donor in the EU to Gaza and the West Bank," he underlined.
Talks important for the transatlantic dialogue
Mr Bildt was very pleased with the meeting with Ms Rice, during which a handful of questions was discussed, such as the situation in Kosovo, Iran and Iraq. It was also Ms Rice´s birthday. Her birthday coincided with celebrations of Astrid Lindgrens centenary and Mr Bildt presented her with a crystal bowl and a Pippi Longstocking book.
"Talks of this kind are an important part of the transatlantic dialogue, which is central to overcoming the major international challenges. This is true of both the major political issues such as the Middle East, Iraq and Kosovo, and the global environmental threats and future energy resources," pointed out Mr Bildt.
