Israel and French Foreign Ministers Conclude Talks; Both Satisfied

Israeli Foreign Minister Golda Meir expressed satisfaction here today with her talks with French Foreign Minister Maurice Couve de Murville in which, it is understood, the two ministers reviewed overall Franco-Israel relations and dealt especially with Israel’s efforts to reach an agreement with the European Economic Community.

The two foreign ministers met today after Mrs. Meir arrived here yesterday on the first leg of a visit to Paris and Rome to discuss with French and Italian officials Israel’s long-standing quest for a viable economic link with the European Common Marked.

Immediately after the meeting, M. Couve de Murville told newsmen that he sincerely hoped “that the prolonged negotiations between Israel and the Common Market will soon reach a successful conclusion.” At a press conference later in the day, Mrs. Meir expressed the view that Israel’s prospects with the EEC bad “improved” in recent weeks, She said that all six member nations of the EEC “are filled with good will towards Israel and her application for association.

As to Israel’s negotiations with the EEC, Mrs. Meir said: “We hope that an agreement with the Market will be reached in the near future. We also hope that this agreement will, at some future date, be developed into a global pact.” She said that “not one of the six states is opposed to Israel. On the contrary, all are friendly and want to help her reach a satisfactory agreement.”

Among the issues discussed was the recent Arab summit meeting in Cairo which, Mrs. Meir said, does not seem to improve the prospects for peaceful coexistence in the area, She stressed that although Israel’s basic policy has been one of peace since the establishment of the state, Israel must be powerful enough so that its strength should serve as a deterrent to any Arab aggressive plans.”