Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni hosted a working meeting on Thursday with the visiting Palestinian Authority minister for heritage and tourism, Hani ِAbd al-Masih al-Hayek, as the government continues to keep a channel open to the Palestinian side while at the same time enjoying excellent and often strategic relations with Israel.
According to a statement by the ministry, a joint decision last March during Mendoni’s visit to Ramallah, in the West Bank, to work together to strengthen the protection of cultural heritage, was finalized on Thursday with the signing of an action plan.
The text provides for the establishment of a specific framework for cooperation for the exchange of know-how and best practices regarding the protection, conservation and promotion of cultural heritage, as well as creation of educational programs, as well as the protection of monuments in war-torn areas.
Both sides, meanwhile, praised the important role played by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem in the preservation of the religious cultural heritage of the Holy Land.
Mendoni also expressed Athens’ readiness to host conservators and archaeologists from PA so the latter can gain more experience. The Palestinian minister accepted the initiative, while adding that there are more than Greek Orthodox churches in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which need immediate support and maintenance.
