Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a virtual toast by video conference on Thursday from the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel in Greece.
Mitsotakis congratulated Netanyahu on forming a new government with Blue and White Party leader Benny Gantz, as they discussed efforts to resume flights between the two nations.
“There’s a vast interest to visit Greece. We want to resume flights and tourism connections to countries that are in a similar situation as ours. The most obvious one is Greece, and we are working on it,” said Netanyahu.
They also spoke about how to advance the EastMed gas pipeline project between Israel and Europe, and on strengthening security ties and cooperation in the high-tech sector.
The two leaders agreed to convene a meeting in Jerusalem as soon as possible.
Netanyahu noted the historic role played by Mitsotakis’s father, former Greek Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis, who brought about the establishment of full diplomatic relations with Israel 30 years ago.
Meanwhile, Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin issued a joint statement with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou to mark the milestone as well.
“This strong relationship has substantially grown in recent years, both bilaterally and within the context of the trilateral scheme of cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus. Reinforced by the participation of the United States of America, together we promote regional security, stability and development,” said the statement.
