Press Release: Patten visits Middle East

Chris Patten, European Commissioner for External Relations, travelled to the Middle East from 1 April - 7 April 2000. He visited Egypt, West Bank-Gaza Strip, Jordan, Israel, Syria and Lebanon. This was Mr Patten's first visit to the region as Commissioner. The visit was intended to underline the strong commitment of the European Union to lasting peace there and stress the importance of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership (Barcelona Process). The European Commission's role in the region is a major one, as the EU is the biggest provider of non-military assistance and the most important trading and investment partner. It also plays an active part in advancing the Middle East Peace Process.

• Primary Source