Meeting of the Israel-Vatican Bilateral Commission held in Jerusalem

The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs updates us on the meeting of the Bilateral Permanent Working Commission between the State of Israel and the Holy See held at the MFA in Jerusalem:

The Israel-Vatican Working Commission convened today in Jerusalem (April 30), for the first time headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, with the aim of advancing the economic agreement between Israel and the Vatican. The meeting, with the participation of Monsignor Pietro Parolin, Undersecretary for Relations with States at the Secretariat of State at the Vatican, was held in a good atmosphere, and both sides agreed to continue to work together.

Significant progress was made in the talks, and it was decided that the two deputy ministers would meet again on December 10, 2009 at the Vatican. It was also agreed that the working groups would continue to advance the economic agreement.

Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon noted at the end of the meeting that "Progress in the economic sphere between Israel and the Vatican is very important, especially with the upcoming visit of Pope Benedict XVI in May."

Photo: Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon with Monsignor Pietro Parolin, Undersecretary for Relations with States at the Secretariat of State at the Vatican in Jerusalem (Source: MFA)