JERUSALEM – Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, in statements after meeting his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias in Jerusalem on Tuesday, said that Israel supports Greece’s sovereign rights and territorial integrity. Additionally, he noted that differences should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, while expressing his gratitude to Greece for its friendship toward Israel and stating that Dendias’ visit will serve as a strong foundation.

He also underlined that Greece and Israel play a key role for stability and the security in the Eastern Mediterranean and referred to the close alliance between the two countries, as well as their solidarity in times of both peace and crisis.

1st meeting in #Israel with the new #Israel FM, @elicoh1.
Talks focused on
🔹strengthening strategic 🇬🇷🇮🇱 relations
🔹cooperation in many areas, including energy, investments, diaspora & within trilateral formats
🔹international & regional developments, #EasternMediterranean. pic.twitter.com/UEiTNhFonw

— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) January 31, 2023

Cohen, in his statements, pointed out that Nikos Dendias is the first foreign minister from the European Union to visit the Israeli foreign ministry since the new Israeli government was formed, adding that this was no coincidence bt a reflection of the strategic relations between Israel and Greece.

He also said that Israel and Greece were not only close neighbours but also share deep interests and values and a deep strategic economic cooperation.

Referring to the agenda of their meeting, Cohen said that they discussed bilateral relations and regional cooperation which further enhances and strengthens the bonds between the two countries, including the sectors of energy, security, innovation, and start-ups. He noted that bilateral trade and investments have increased.

Finally, they discussed international developments and the new opportunities emerging after the Abraham Accords.