Bilateral Commission btw the Holy See and Israel

The Bilateral Permanent Working Commission between the Holy See and the State of Israel met today 12 June 2012 at the Plenary level, in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, to carry on negotiations pursuant to the Fundamental Agreement Art. 10 paragraph 2.

The meeting was headed by Mgr Ettore BALESTRERO, Under-Secretary for Relations with States, and by Mr Danny AYALON, M.K., Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The negotiations took place in a thoughtful and constructive atmosphere. The Commission took notice that significant progress was made towards the conclusion of the Agreement.

The Commission further acknowledged the exemplary service of Their Excellencies Abp Antonio FRANCO and Ambassador Mordechay LEWY on the occasion of their retirement.

The Parties have agreed on future steps and to hold the next Plenary meeting on 6th December 2012 at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.