Tsipras and Netanyahu note 'strategic cooperation' between Greece and Israel

Gazzetta team
Tsipras and Netanyahu note 'strategic cooperation' between Greece and Israel
In joint statements following their meeting here on Wednesday, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed satisfaction with the high-level "strategic cooperation" between Greece and Israel.

Tsipras noted that the two countries were on a path of strategic cooperation, while adding that this did not rule out a focus on other areas as well, such as tourism, economic relations, research and technology.

The two prime ministers primarily discussed cooperation in the energy sector, which Tsipras said would continue on a ministerial level with meetings to be held in January. Immediately afterward if not the following day, he added, there will be a new trilateral summit between Greece, Israel and the Cyprus Republic that will most likely take place in Nicosia.

The Greek premier said the talks between the two sides had examined the opportunities for cooperation in the drilling and transportation of natural gas to Europe, to be discussed at the ministerial-level meeting that would probably be held in Jerusalem. The aim, he said, was to examine all the specific, practical steps that must be taken in order to ensure that these "do not remain on paper".

Tsipras and Netanyahu also discussed the situation in the Middle East, where the Greek premier said that Athens wants to play a constructive role in the Palestinian issue "in order to open up a window of hope in a serious problem that remains unsolved."

The Israeli premier referred to the difficulties of rebuilding an economy but expressed his confidence in Tsipras and said he would encourage Israeli businesses to invest in Greece. He noted that Greece and Israel have a long and lasting relationship of strategic partnership and that both countries face major challenges, such as violent religious fundamentalism, that it was in their joint interest to address.

Commenting on the situation in the region, Tsipras said it was necessary to preserve stability and prevent the spread of jihadism, while also encouraging dialogue to end the conflict in Syria.

The Greek premier said he had "listened with interest" to the Israeli prime minister's positions on the Palestinian problem, while also relaying "as a friend and partner" Greece's concern over the climate of tension. He expressed his opposition to violence and terrorism, but also to violence that caused civilian casualties.

Tsipras concluded by stressing the need to preserve the historically multicultural nature of the Middle East, which he said was a land where the history and culture of different nations and religions overlapped and where different cultures had always coexisted. It is necessary, he said, to fight to preserve its multicultural nature and the peaceful coexistence of religions and cultures.

"We want to play a positive role," he added, stressing the need for the logic of cooperation and peace to prevail over that of fear and hostility to the different.

Tsipras and Netanyahu held the press conference after two meetings - a brief one without attending delegations and a second, more lengthy meeting that included the delegations of both sides. Members of the Greek delegation included Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, Minister of State Nikos Pappas, Infrastructure, Transport and Networks Minister Christos Spirtzis and government spokeswoman Olga Gerovasili.