ATHENS – Citizen Protection Minister Takis Theodorikakos on Thursday met with Israel’s Minister of Public Security, Omer Bar-Lev.

In the meeting held at the ministry, in the presence of the general secretary of Public Order Michalis Karamalakis and the ambassador of Israel in Athens, Noam Katz, issues of bilateral cooperation in security issues were discussed, an area where the two countries have developed strong ties in recent years.

According to the ministry’s announcement, Theodorikakos informed his Israeli counterpart about Turkey’ stance, which attempts to exploit unfortunate people in order to put pressure on the borders of Greece and the European Union. In addition, the Greek minister underlined that Greece respects international law, respects human life, and with the “Akritas” plan, the Hellenic Police in cooperation with the Armed Forces and residents of the region are defending its territorial integrity.

Earlier, the two ministers attended a special operational exercise of the EKAM special units at the Training Center of the Special Forces Directorate of the Police in Markopoulos. This was followed by a presentation of video material from police operations and an exchange of gifts.