‘’Peace between Israel and Palestine is a top priority for the European Union and it will remain a top priority in our political agenda,’’ declared EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini after talks in Brussels with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

She added at a joint press conference with Abbas: ‘’We remain committed to a negotiated two-state solution that remains for us the only viable way to end the conflict and all claims.’’

She stressed that the EU recognizes changes to the pre-1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, ‘’only when agreed by the parties.’’ ‘’Our position on Jerusalem as future capital of both states has not changed and we support Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem, both in political and financial terms.’’

Abbas for his part called on Israel ‘’not to waste new opportunities for a peace agreement based on the two-state solution”.

“Our meeting today was important to discuss the latest developments in international efforts to find the best way to reach a just and comprehensive peace between us and the Israelis in light of the intention of the U.S. administration under President Trump to work for peace,” said Abbas.

“There were many contacts and meetings, and we are continuing discussions for the success of the American and international efforts, and I have assured President Trump that we are ready for a peace deal,” he added.

Abbas said the PA is “committed to a just, comprehensive and permanent peace with our Israeli neighbors based on international and United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative that would end the Israeli occupation of the territory of the State of Palestine occupied since 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital, which we want to keep as an open city for the followers of the three monotheistic religions.”

He also spoke out against Israel’s construction in the West Bank, warning that “continuation of settlement activities and expropriation of Palestinian land will lead to the one-state situation with an apartheid system.”

During the pressconference, Mogherini thanked Abbas’’’leadership and his commitment when it comes to non-violence, when it comes to the difficult work he is doing against incitement and also of maintaining the Palestinian people, and especially the Palestinian youth, committed to peace and to cooperation in the region.’’

‘’I think and I acknowledge that this is a challenging task, especially with the deteriorating political and economic situation,’’ she said.

During his visit in Brussels, Abbas met with a series of other EU officials, including European Council President Donald Tusk, European Parliament President Antonio Tajani and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Before Brussels, Abbas held high-level meetings in Germany. Mogherini and Abbas are set to meet again as the two will attend the Arab League Summit in Jordan where the Israeli- Palestinian conflict is expected to be high on the agenda.