Plenary announcement on the occasion of Israeli president Rivlin's visit

Colleagues,

It is a great honour for us to receive President Reuven Rivlin and his wife, Nechama Rivlin, here today. Mr Rivlin, I should like to thank you once again for accepting our invitation.

The prevailing good relations with Israel are of enormous importance to us in the European Union. The State of Israel is more than just an important trading partner and political ally: our citizens are linked by a shared history, common values and an aspiration to social justice. It is shameful that anti-Semitism still persists as a deplorable reality in Europe. As politicians and as a society, we must further step up our efforts to grant better protection to Jews in Europe.

President Rivlin,

You have devoted your life to a courageous struggle against discrimination and intolerance. As former Speaker of the Knesset, you are a living symbol of democracy. You know that a living democracy presupposes social participation and freedom of expression. A free and active civil society is a fundamental element of a living democracy. We have complete confidence that you will continue to defend it in Israel.

We also have confidence in your unconditional belief in peace. Your presence here today, like that of President Abbas tomorrow, sends a powerful signal that the will to achieve a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine is still alive.

President Rivlin,

For many decades, your region has seen wars and horrific acts of terrorism. On 8 June, people in Tel Aviv had once again to face such a painful fact. We undoubtedly agree that no political objective can justify blind hatred, malicious agitation and terrorism. Ending violence is the first step towards stability.

In its resolution of the 10th of September 2015, the European Parliament voted in favour of a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states. Under such a two-state solution, a secure State of Israel would coexist with an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security.

President Rivlin,

In the spirit of this resolution, I once more would like to welcome you cordially in our assembly. I look forward to hearing your address.