Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman met his British counterpart William Hague for talks in London on Tuesday.

The pair discussed a range of issues relating to British-Israeli co-operation, including in the education, science and technology fields.

In a joint statement they said their talks had also focused on the ongoing peace talks with the Palestinians and the “changing regional environment in the Middle East”, including attempts to prevent Iran obtaining nuclear weaponry.

The ministers said bilateral ties between their countries were now “stronger than ever” and considered the security, political and economic support that the European Union would provide if a final-status agreement with the Palestinians were to be secured.

On Iran they agreed to maintain “robust” sanctions until Tehran “agrees to a comprehensive and final settlement addressing all international concerns about its nuclear programme”.

Trade between Britain and Israel is worth more than £5 billion a year.