The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has just released a press statement which includes the following:
On his first trip as a member of the Security Council, Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen will visit Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan from January 12 to 15.
In Israel, the Danish Foreign Minister will meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, and in Palestine he will meet with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammad Mustafa.
“I am not putting forward any major initiatives, nor do I believe that Denmark can achieve peace in the Middle East in a few days.” However, I will be speaking with parties on both sides of one of the world’s most entrenched conflicts, and this will give me the opportunity to gain important insights into the dynamics in the region while simultaneously reaffirming Denmark’s position: Israel has the right to a two-state solution, to defend itself within the framework of international law, and the remaining hostages must be released. At the same time, I am deeply concerned about the killing of so many civilians and the lack of access for humanitarian aid to Gaza. The catastrophic situation in Gaza demonstrates that the current situation is completely unsustainable. We must insist on a two-state solution, as it is the only viable path to lasting peace. As a member of the UN Security Council, Denmark will work towards this goal,“ said Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.
This is the second time the foreign minister has visited Israel and Palestine since October 7, 2023.
In addition to diplomatic talks, the Danish Foreign Minister will, among other things, visit the Israeli Holocaust Museum Yad Vashem and meet with Palestinians in the West Bank who are at risk of displacement by Israeli settlers.
In Jordan, Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen will meet with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and in Lebanon he will meet with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib and Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
“Jordan and Lebanon are vitally important to the stability of the entire region. One of the few bright spots since October 7, 2013, has been the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. I look forward to meeting with the Lebanese Foreign Minister and discussing how the international community can support the ceasefire and how the Lebanese side can build a stronger government capable of acting as a counterweight to Hezbollah. I also look forward to visiting Jordan, which has traditionally played a mediating role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said, “I hope to gain further insight into the situation in the West Bank and hear how the international community can strengthen efforts to promote a two-state solution.”.
This is Lars Løkke Rasmussen’s first visit to Jordan and Lebanon as foreign minister.
The statement has ended.
