Greece, Israel reiterate willingness to further improve relations

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Greece and Israel reiterated their willingness Thursday to further improve relations.

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis maintained that the two countries share a common will to boost close strategic relations, which is “based on common values and principles such as the tackling of antisemitism.”

Regarding the latest escalation between Israel and Palestine, he expressed Athens' concern before condemning terrorism in all forms.

“We are in favor of a mutually accepted solution for the Palestinian issue, as we believe that it would serve both sides and people's interests,” Gerapetritis said at a news conference alongside his visiting Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen.

He underscored Greece's steady interest in the preservation of the multireligious and multicultural character of the Holy Land, and the protection of the privileges and protection assets of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Cohen underlined the importance Israel attaches to its relations with Greece, as manifested by his visit to Athens.

He maintained that Israel desires to further improve relations in various fields, including defense, technology, energy and tourism.​​​​​​​