UK welcomes stronger academic co-operation with Israel
Ivan Lewis reaffirms Britain's commitment to providing an additional £29,000 funding to the Britain Israel Research and Academic Exchange (BIRAX).
Foreign Office Minister Ivan Lewis reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to providing an additional £29,000 funding to the Britain Israel Research and Academic Exchange (BIRAX) during the visit of Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister, Danny Ayalon.
Ivan Lewis welcomed the opportunity to highlight the day-to-day good work and co-operation between the UK and Israel.
Mr Lewis said:
'I am a strong believer in continuing to enhance university and academic links between Britain and Israel, and am pleased that more people will now have the opportunity to benefit from this scheme.
The UK’s support for BIRAX is part of our determination to increase academic co-operation and it is a tangible example of our determination to oppose boycotts against Israel.'
In a private meeting Ivan Lewis and Danny Ayalon discussed the Middle East Peace Process, Universal Jurisdiction, Iran, and UK-Israel relations, including progress in agreeing a UK-Israel Film Treaty.
Ivan Lewis reiterated the UK’s firm opposition to settlements construction and said, whilst he welcomed Israel’s commitment to re-engage in negotiations without pre-conditions, the continued building of settlements on occupied land was a serious impediment to peace.
He also welcomed Israel’s response to the Goldstone report and urged Israel to initiate an independent investigation into the allegations of abuses during the Gaza conflict.
