WASHINGTON (December 12, 2016) — The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Order of AHEPA), American Hellenic Institute (AHI), B’nai B’rith International, and Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations issued the following joint statement:
“We welcome the second trilateral summit between Israel, Greece and Cyprus, held in Jerusalem on December 8, 2016. The second summit demonstrates a commitment between the three countries, which share democratic values and common interests, to strengthen their strategic partnership to provide stability to the eastern Mediterranean region. The announcement of a third summit to be held in Thessaloniki, Greece is a further indication of the partnership’s development and significance.
“We are especially pleased the relationship is also progressing in areas of energy cooperation, as ministers from the three countries agreed to press for a natural gas pipeline from Israel to Europe. We also applaud the prompt emergency assistance provided by Greece and Cyprus to help Israel respond to the devastating wildfires in November and the announcement that the three countries will form a multi-national regional rescue and emergency services force. Moreover, we continue to see growth in other critical sectors, such as tourism, that are a direct result of this strategic partnership.
“Finally, we take pride in providing broad diaspora support and encouragement for advancing the trilateral relationship’s advancement, and we look forward to continuing to do so in the future.”
In January 2016, the four organizations completed their second Leadership Mission to Israel, Cyprus and Greece. The groundbreaking inaugural mission was held in January 2014.