Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier met with his Israeli counterpart in Jerusalem today, reaffirming Canada's commitment to the Mideast peace process.

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who is also the chief negotiator for Israel in its ongoing peace talks with the Palestinians, greeted Bernier warmly in front of reporters.

She praised the shared values that Israel shares with Canada and also touched on aspects of the ongoing peace negotiations.

Bernier said he wanted "to reiterate Canada's support for the peace process and negotiations.''

"I'm pleased to be here ... to reinforce our strong bilateral relationship and examine how it can be continued,'' he said.

Bernier also spoke about the "strong and expanding" relationship between the two countries, especially in trade and investment.

He said two-way trade has more than doubled since the free-trade agreement of more than a decade ago.

Earlier Monday, Livni spent two hours with Chief Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qureia at a Jerusalem hotel.

An Israeli spokesman said the pair discussed core issues such as sovereignty over Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees, and the final borders of a Palestinian state.

Bernier's trip comes directly on the heels of the visit by U.S. President George Bush to the region. Both Israel and the Palestinians have promised to try to reach a peace deal by the end of this year.

Michael Lynk, a law professor at the University of Western Ontario, told CTV Newsnet Monday that Canada's sympathy towards Israel's position on the issues has accelerated under the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

"(It) doesn't help Canada's position in the region or as an active player," said Lynk.

He said Canada had previously, for a long period of time, been a factor in negotiations because it has developed a reputation for being "fair and evenhanded as a middle power."

"Some have argued that because of that Canada has been able to punch above its weight in Middle Eastern affairs," he said.

On Sunday, Bernier met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and discussed Canada's $300-million aid pledge for Palestinian nation-building.

Bernier also met with the Foreign Minister Riad Malki and then told reporters that the aid was "not unconditional."

"We will need to see demonstrable progress in negotiations by both sides, as well as progress in Palestinian democratic reforms,'' he said.

Later Sunday, Bernier also met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. He is set to return to Canada on Tuesday.

With files from The Associated Press