The foreign minister called for a clear statement by Israel on the sovereign rights of Greece, Nikos Dendiasreferring to what his Israeli colleague said after their meeting.

The Greek Foreign Minister held a cordial meeting for about an hour with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to competent sources, the good atmosphere of the meeting is evidenced by the fact that it lasted twice as long as planned, while the meeting was also attended by the Minister of Strategic Affairs of Israel, who responded positively to the invitation of Mr. Dendias to visit Greece. .

After that, Nikos Dendias was received by Israeli President Isaac Herzok.

For the first time, an Israeli foreign minister makes an explicit statement

During joint statements with his Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen, the Minister emphasized that: “Greece and Israel have established a strong partnership at a strategic level, based on common interests and concurring views on many issues, as well as on a common respect for an international order based on international rules. and a shared vision of their neighborhood.

1st meeting in Israel with the new Minister of Foreign Affairs @elicoh1.
In focus:
🔹 strengthening strategic relationships
🔹Cooperation in many sectors such as energy, investment, diaspora issues and trilateral schemes
🔹international and regional events, Eastern Mediterranean. pic.twitter.com/jdd2ZtACjF

— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) January 31, 2023

He also thanked Mr. Cohen for his earlier clear statement of respect for the sovereignty and sovereign rights of Greece, emphasizing that close ties of friendship and mutual respect create a favorable environment for bilateral relations.

It is noted that for the first time, the Israeli Foreign Minister, in the context of joint statements, makes a direct statement in support of the sovereignty and sovereign rights of Greece.

“Turkey systematically violates our airspace”

Nikos Dendias said that revisionism and violations of the principles of international law are something unacceptable, adding that the international community sends and must send the strongest signal of condemnation.

During the meeting, Mr. Dendias briefed the Israeli Foreign Minister on the challenges facing Greece from Turkey, “which systematically violates our territory, airspace, uses hybrid tactics, escalates tensions, including open threats of an invasion or (launch) of a ballistic missile in Athens.” .

Such behavior poses a threat to the rules-based international order, he stressed, and emphasized the need to respect international law and the law of the sea.

Negotiations on energy and bilateral relations

Referring to the talks, he said that they discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in various areas of mutual interest. Significantly, he mentioned energy, defense, investment, innovation, tourism, supply chain, crisis management, environment, start-ups. Emphasizing the scale of development of bilateral relations, he said that there are no limits.

The minister specifically mentioned energy as an area of ​​cooperation, saying that they discussed the electrical connection between Asia and Europe with a cable that will connect Israel, Cyprus and Greece, as well as EastMed.

In this context, the Foreign Minister told Eli Cohen that Greece is becoming a reliable energy hub. Emphasis was also placed on cooperation in the field of renewable energy sources.

In addition, the two ministers discussed investment and Nikos Dendias stated that Greece wants to raise more.

Mr. Dendias stressed the role of Greece as an EU Member State. to strengthen relations between Israel and the EU

Another link in the “important cooperation” between Greece and Israel is, according to N. Dendias, an “excellent example” of cooperation between the diaspora of the two countries, and especially in the United States, emphasizing the determination of Greece to cooperate with Israel to further strengthen the strategic partnership and cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples .

In addition, he expressed Greece’s concern about the developments in the Christian parts of the Old City of Jerusalem and stressed the importance for Greece to protect the rights of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.

At the same time, Nikos Dendias thanked Israel for supporting Greece’s candidacy for the UN Security Council in the period 2025-2026.

Regarding trilateral cooperation Greece-Cyprus-Israel (with the addition of the US), the foreign minister said that they have the opportunity to discuss regional issues and imagine what can be achieved further. In fact, he called a trilateral agreement with the United Arab Emirates a great idea.

He then congratulated Israel on the maritime demarcation agreement with Lebanon, noting great news for the region. Similarly, he welcomed the Abrahamic Testaments.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, he said that a fair solution was in the interests of both sides.

In addition, Nikos Dendias expressed his sincere condolences to the victims of the recent “terrible terrorist attack” in Israel, while at the same time condemning any act of anti-Semitism.

Finally, the Minister invited Eli Cohen to visit Greece and especially Corfu, his special homeland.

It should be noted that N. Dendias is the first Minister of Foreign Affairs of the EU. and the second international visit since US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to Israel following the inauguration of the new Israeli government.