Prime Minister Patrick Manning met yesterday with Ariel Sharon, prime minister of Israel at Sharon's official office in Jerusalem.

According to a release from Whitehall "the historic meeting" lasted 45 minutes. The two prime ministers discussed several security matters including the protection of Trinidad and Tobago's borders in order to stem the flow of illicit drugs and guns. Much of the discussions with Sharon centred around reducing the level of crime in Trinidad and Tobago and the possible assistance that could be obtained from the government of Israel.

At the end of the meeting, Sharon was optimistic that the bond of friendship between the two countries would continue to grow. According to the release Manning also received the deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of the state of Israel, Silvan Shalom.

In their discussions Manning and Shalom spoke about the strengthening of ties between the two countries, matters germane to activities at the United Nations and technical assistance as well as cooperation in agricultural and medical matters.

Manning began his hectic tour of Jerusalem yesterday with a 90- minute visit to the Yad Vashem Martyrs and Heroes Memorial, where he re-ignited the Eternal Flame in memory of Holocaust victims and laid a wreath in a moving and solemn ceremony at the Hall of Remembrance.

Among the activities on Manning's schedule today, is a meeting with the president of the state of Israel, His Excellency Moshe Katsav at 11.30 am.

http://www.newsday.co.tt/stories.php?article_id=30930