The Minister of State C. Pampoukis and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. D. Dollis, accompanied by the General Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. I. Zeppos, had a series of meetings with representatives of the political and military leadership of Israel.
Early in the morning, the delegation visited the Greek – Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and met with Patriarch Theophilos III.
His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, informed the men on the current situation in the region and new conditions formed in light of recent developments and always from the standpoint of the Patriarchal institution.
He referred to the role of the Patriarchate as a stabilizing factor for the de-escalation of any crises, on the status of the institution with regards to lands and properties, which are in its possession, but also for the problems which are automatically created from the strategic location of the property.
In response to the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Mr. C. Pampoukis commented that “the fact that the Patriarchal Institution lies in the epicenter of developments, may not necessarily be a negative factor, since through a capable management of the position and specific liability governing the Patriarchate, many positive aspects may come up for the institution itself”.
Lastly, he informed him on the efforts which are currently underway on behalf of the Greek government for the upgrade of relations with Israel, towards a closer cooperation in specific fields but also the respective efforts being made through the already formed and excellent relations the country maintains with the Arab world.
After the meeting the delegation was given a tour to the Holy Sepulchre. They then departed for Tel Aviv where they are expected to meet the close associate of Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Adviser Mr. Uzi Arad.
There were additional meetings with the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labor Ben Eliezer and the General Secretary of the Defense Ministry Amos Gilat.
An initial appraisal of officials from both sides is that today’s contacts may result in the final formation of the interministerial group on the part of Israel as well. This is expected to formalize the launch of a closer cooperation on a regular basis with specific objectives and aims, within the framework of realizing the agreements made two months ago.
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