We emphatically welcome the agreement on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Bahrain signed yesterday in Manama. It is good that the historic steps towards normalisation between Israel and its Arab neighbours mediated by the United States are taking on concrete form. It is very important for lasting peace in the region that the great economic and cultural potential inherent in cooperation between the countries concerned becomes tangible for the local populations.

For us, it remains important that these developments provide momentum for the stalled Middle East peace process. Together with our European and Arab partners, we continue to advocate direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Germany and the EU are still pursuing the goal of a negotiated two-state settlement as the basis for just and lasting peace. Foreign Minister Maas has had numerous meetings in this context over the past few weeks, most recently with his Jordanian, Egyptian and French colleagues at the Amman Meeting on 24 September, and at the historic first personal meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Israel and the United Arab Emirates here in Berlin.