The Foreign Minister Embarks on a Diplomatic Tour in the Middle East

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 is scheduled to meet with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and in Palestine, he will meet with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammad Mustafa.

“I am not coming with grand gestures, believing that Denmark can create peace in the Middle East in just a few days. However, I will be speaking with parties on both sides of one of the world’s most entrenched conflicts, which gives me the opportunity to gain important insights into the dynamics of the region while also asserting Denmark’s position: Israel has the right to self-defense within the framework of international law, and the remaining hostages must be released. At the same time, I am deeply concerned about the many civilian casualties and the lack of access for humanitarian aid in Gaza. The catastrophic situation in Gaza clearly shows that the circumstances are completely untenable. We must and shall insist on a two-state solution, which is the only sustainable path to lasting peace. Denmark will work towards this as a member of the UN Security Council,” says 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 also visit the Israeli Holocaust museum Yad Vashem and meet with Palestinians in the West Bank who are at risk of being displaced 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.

“Both Jordan and Lebanon are crucial for the stability of the entire region. One of the few bright spots since October 7, 2023, has been the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. I look forward to meeting with the Lebanese Foreign Minister to discuss how the international community can support the ceasefire and how Lebanon can build a stronger government that can act as a counterbalance to Hezbollah. I also look forward to visiting Jordan, which has traditionally played a role as a mediator in the Israel/Palestine conflict. Here, I hope to gain further insights into the situation in the West Bank and hear how the international community can strengthen efforts to promote a two-state solution,” says Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

This is the first time Lars Løkke Rasmussen visits Jordan and Lebanon as Foreign Minister.