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".
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