Israel to help Europe with gas, Bennett says after Draghi talks

(ANSA) - ROME, JUN 14 - Israel is set to help Europe to obtain alternative sources of gas to Russia following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said as he made a joint statement with Italian Premier Mario Draghi after a meeting in Jerusalem.
    "Israel will be able to help Europe, producing natural gas, and this is excellent news," he said.
    Draghi thanked Israel for its attempts at mediation regarding the Ukraine war.
    "The Italian government will continue to work for a ceasefire as soon as possible and peace negotiations, on the terms that Ukraine considers acceptable," Draghi said.
    "Italy supports, and will continue to support, Ukraine and its desire to be part of Europe".
    Draghi said he had discussed with Bennett Russia's blockade of Ukrainian ports, which is stopping grain exports leaving the country, and the ensuring "risk of a food catastrophe".
    "We must work with the utmost urgency (to have) safe corridors for the transport of grain," he said.
    "We have very little time because in a few weeks the new harvest will be ready and it could be impossible to store it".
    Draghi described Israel as a "friend" of Italy's and a "fundamental partner," adding that "we want to strengthen our collaboration further". (ANSA).