Israel and Greece have decided on a number of “concrete steps” to improve relations between them, according to Foreign Ministry Director General David Kimche, who held high-level talks in Athens at the end of last week.
But these steps will not include–for the present time, at any rate–full normalization of the diplomatic ties between the two countries. These will remain at the level of diplomatic representative, instead of full Ambassador, implying Greece’s less-than-full de jure recognition of Israel.
Kimche would not say what “concrete steps” were envisaged, citing Greece’s extreme sensitivity in all matters concerning relations with Israel. But he did indicate that there would be more contacts on a high level between the two governments.
His own meetings in Athens with Foreign Minister Constantinos Mitsotakis and with senior officials of his ministry were the first-ever on this level between Greece and Israel. The Greek government announced the meetings officially, noting carefully that Kimche was “passing through Athens.”
Kimche said his talks with Greek officials had been “long, profound and fruitful.” He predicted that there would be “more openness” in future in relations between the two countries and that Greece would take account more than in the past of Israel’s views and positions, even if it would not necessarily agree with them.
The Israeli diplomat acknowledged that Greece feels it has “special relations” with the Arab world. He sought to persuade the Athens policymakers that these relations need not be impaired by improving ties with Israel.
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