British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson told Isreli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanahu that the British government is a ‘’strong, rock-solid supporter’’ of Israel and reiterated his governent’s policy in favour of a two-state solution, during a visit in Israel.

At a joint press conference, Johnson said that ‘’Israel has the absolute right to live in security and the people of Israel deserve to be safe from terrorism. That’s our absolute priority.”

Johnson said that the government wishes to see Israel “at peace with its neighbours,” noting: “I should remind you that the policy of our government is for a two-state solution.”

The British Minister said it is important to “remove obstacles to peace and progress, such as the settlements”.

Netanyahu replied that the “root” of the problem “is not the settlements, but the persistent refusal to recognise a nation-state for the Jewish people in any boundary”.

In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Boris Johnson stressed that while the priority in any Israeli-Palestinian accord has to be “the safety and security” of Israel, the choice is either two states or apartheid.

“What we are saying is that you have to have a two-state solution or else you have a kind of apartheid system. You have to go for a two-state approach, that is the long-standing position of the government,” Johnson said when asked about US President Donald Trump’s recent comment that he did not care whether an agreement was reached for one state or two states, as long as the sides agreed.

Netanyahu and Johnson agreed on the importance of further strengthening of bilateral economic relations. Johnson the UK wanted to “build on our trading partnership with you,” especially as it builds a “global identity” outside of the European Union. The two countries plan to negotiate a new free trade agreement, following Britain’s decision to leave the European Union last year. Johnson hailed growing bilateral commercial ties: “We have the fastest growing Aston Martin dealership anywhere in the world here in Israel. We’ve done some fantastic export deals with you. But you’ve also greatly contributed to our economy.”

During his visit, the British minister also met with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and was given a briefing by the Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now before travelling to Ramallah for a meeting with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.