Vilnius, October 15, BNS–Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaitė says Lithuania and Israel are enjoying their best relations ever as she prepares for her upcoming trip to Israel.

“I think we are able to say we are enjoying the best relations with Israel now compared to the entire post-war history,” Grybauskaitė said in an interview on Lithuanian National Radio Thursday.

The Lithuanian president leaves for Israel Sunday and plans to stay there until Thursday, October 22. Lithuanian foreign minister Linas Linkevičius, economics minister Evaldas Gustas and energy minister Rokas Masiulis will accompany her.

Dalia Grybauskaitė said Lithuania and Israel share concerns and interests in the fields of defense, internet security and trade, and added her visit to Israel could cause controversy “because of the great tension and conflict we see in the region at the current time.”

The head of Lithuanian state plans to meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders during her trip.

“The region is now a major hot-spot globally, and both sides should seek a peaceful resolution. We are here during this tense and difficult time to make a contribution and show our concern, and to show that even Lithuania, tiny Lithuania, can contribute to peace,” Grybauskaitė said.

A new wave of violence has broken out over the last few weeks in the West Bank and Jerusalem, raising fears of a third Palestinian intifada.

Lithuania has supported Israel in the EU and the UN. In 2011 Lithuania was one of fourteen countries to vote against Palestinian membership in UNESCO, the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. In September of 2015 Lithuania voted against a resolution to allow the Palestinian flag to be flown at the organization’s headquarters, although the measure was adopted with 119 votes in favor, eight against and forty-five abstentions.

BNS