The European Union and Israel have held high-level talks for the first time in 10 years in which the Europeans tried to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid on a two-state solution to the conflict with the Palestinians, AP reports.

EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell welcomed Lapid's recent support for ending the conflict based on a peaceful coexistence between Israeli and Palestinian states.

“This is also what we want to push for. We want the resumption of a political process that can lead to a two-state solution and a comprehensive regional peace,” Borrell said. “We have to explore how we can put this into practice.”

“It’s better to sit and discuss frankly, than to avoid any contact. Certainly we disagree. Certainly we express concern, but I think it’s more positive to sit and discuss,” Borrell told reporters in Brussels. It’s the first time the two sides have held an “Association Council” since July 2012.

However, there is no short-term prospect for peace.

Israel's military occupation of the West Bank has been going on for 55 years. The last real peace talks ended in 2009, and critics say growing Israeli settlements in the West Bank and elsewhere are undermining any hope of a two-state solution.