
Deputy Minister Kozak attended the Union for the Mediterranean meeting in Barcelona
27.11.2023 / 19:45 | Aktualizováno: 04.12.2023 / 17:48
On Monday 27th November 2023, Deputy Foreign Minister Jiří Kozák attended the 15th meeting of the Union for the Mediterranean Regional Forum in Barcelona.
The Union for the Mediterranean is an intergovernmental institution bringing together the countries of the European Union and 15 countries from the southern and eastern Mediterranean to promote dialogue and cooperation. Deputy Minister Kozák presented the consistent Czech position condemning the terrorist attack of Hamas on innocent civilians and recognizing Israel's full right to defend itself and ensure the safety of its population.
“We all want peace and prosperity for the people of Palestine and Israel. But we have to admit to ourselves that there will be no peace where there are terrorists active", stressed Kozák, adding that “Both Palestinians and Israelis deserve to live in peace, security and dignity. There will be no living in peace in our common neighbourhood without mutual respect and recognising each other’s simple right to exist.”
At the same time, the Deputy Minister stressed the need for humanitarian aid for the civilian population of Gaza, noting that it must be ensured that it is not abused by terrorists. He advocated a two-state solution as the only concept that could ensure the peaceful coexistence of the two peoples in the Holy Land in the long term.