Μake us preferred on Google Greece and Israel are looking to further strengthen cooperation in shipping, with economic ties and regional security at the center of a meeting Wednesday between Greek Maritime and Island Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias and Israel’s new ambassador to Greece, Pninat Yanay.
Kikilias welcomed Yanay, noting that the ministry of maritime and island policy was the first Greek ministry she officially visited since taking up her post. He wished her success in her tenure and described bilateral relations as being at a “very high level,” particularly in regional security, as well as in the economy, tourism and shipping.
The meeting also focused on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) endeavor, which Kikilias described as a highly ambitious project that could create new opportunities for Greek shipping and the country’s ports.
He described IMEC as a new alternative trade route originating in India, expressing the hope that it would pass through Israel and then Greek ports before reaching the Atlantic coast. Such a corridor, he said, could provide fresh momentum for shipping, the movement of goods and the wider economy.
The discussions come against the backdrop of broader Greece-Israel cooperation, with the two countries having developed close ties in areas including maritime affairs, security, tourism, technology and infrastructure.
Yanay highlighted the complementary strengths of the two countries, describing Greece as a global shipping power with a developing blue economy, while identifying Israel as a hub for innovation and technology. She said this combination created significant opportunities for new forms of bilateral cooperation.
The ambassador also referred to the longstanding friendship between Greece and Israel and said Israel particularly appreciated Greece’s longstanding stance and support. She singled out Kikilias’ previous tenure as tourism minister, saying he had recognized similarities between the two peoples and worked to bring them closer.
Yanay said the “bridge” between Greece and Israel had been significantly strengthened in recent years, while also pointing to the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.
She noted that large numbers of Israelis visit Greece and have a strong affinity for the country, saying these close human links could provide a foundation for new business opportunities as well as further strengthening ties between Greece and Israel.
The discussion of IMEC also underscores the potential role of Greek ports and shipping in an emerging trade corridor linking India, the Middle East and Europe, an area that has featured in broader discussions of Greece’s regional connectivity and infrastructure role.
