French President Emmanuel Macron (R) welcomes visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Feb. 2, 2023. (Photo by Rit Heize/Xinhua)
PARIS, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron and visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries and strengthen bilateral relationship in all areas, the Elysee said in a press release on Friday.
During a working dinner Thursday night, Macron said Netanyahu choosing France as his first visit outside the Middle East since his appointment as Israeli prime minister shows the "closeness" between the two countries and the two people.
The two leaders hailed the quality of bilateral relations and exchanged views over issues of mutual concern, the Elysee noted.
According to the press release, Macron expressed his concern about the current situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories, stressing the importance of avoiding any measure likely to fuel violence.
The French president also said that he is ready to contribute to the resumption of dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians for a political process toward a solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of both sides. ■