The Government’s stated position for further tightening of Greek-Israeli relations was pointed out by the Minister of National Defence Mr. Panos Panagiotopoulos in his statement, as he attended the celebration of the Israeli Embassy for the anniversary of Israel Independence Day which took place at the Athens Concert Hall.
Specifically, Mr. Panos Panagiotopoulos stated the following:
“The stated position of the Government led by Samaras, and the policy we have is known; it is the one I, from my area of responsibility, at the Ministry of National Defence, implement, for further tightening of the relations between the Greek Government and the State of Israel.
We consider that the two peoples have a lot in common and the further enhancement and tightening of their relations will be for the benefit of peace, stability and security in the broader region of the Mediterranean, our neighbourhood.
I am particularly pleased for the close cooperation we have as Ministry of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic with the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Israel, and I am also very content on account of the fruitful and efficient cooperation I personally have with the Ambassador of Israel to Athens, my close friend Mr. Mekel.
The meeting we had the day before yesterday, during which we made a review of the developments in the relation between the two countries is important; the fact that we agreed that the further enhancement of the relation between the two countries does not diverge to others, nor does it depend on others, is also very important. It is a firm choice of both governments and we are decided to work towards this direction even faster and more efficiently”.
In his speech during the celebration for the 65th anniversary of the declaration of Israel’s Independence, the Minister of National Defence – after thanking the Ambassador of Israel for the honorary, as he said, invitation – he underlined the mutual effort for the enhancement of the relations of the two countries in all areas, especially Defence and Security.
Mr. Panagiotopoulos referred to the issue of the Middle East, emphasizing that its settlement is necessary and urgent for the security, stability and peace in the broader region.
Mr. Panagiotopoulos underlined the following, among others:
“Both peoples, both nations, we have shown the way, we have opened the paths of history and we carry on inspiring societies and civilizations throughout the entire world.
Therefore, the Greeks and the Jews have numerous similar points in their temperament, many similar experiences that connect the two peoples.
We are peoples small in number, nations limited in number, yet glorious. We have lived enslaved for centuries, we have been many times found on the brink of disaster. We have made it though, and we always manage to stay alive and standing and converting tragedy into regeneration and creation…
The settlement of the issue of the Middle East is necessary and urgent for the security, stability and peace in the broader region.
What we would like to make clear is that the People of Israel finally deserves to live with security, stability and peace and that a settlement in the Middle East can only ensue by peaceful discussions and the coexistence of Israelis and Palestinians.
Because the Palestinian people, who have also experienced their own sufferings, also have the right to find their own country surrounded by guaranteed borders, security and stability”.
