Luxembourg, 15/06/2000 (Agence Europe) - Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy and European Investment Bank President Philippe Maystadt have signed a framework agreement for cooperation. The agreement gives a framework for the loans that the EIB plans to grant Israel and is along the lines of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. The EIB has a budget of EUR 6.2 billion for loans in the Mediterranean countries for the 2000-2006 period. "While paying close heed to the technical, economic and financial quality of projects, the Bank will be concerned to ensure that the capital investment it supports benefits first and foremost the people of the region", declared Philippe Maystadt.