The Ahepan Spring 2020 - 13

The leadership delegation at the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

22-member delegation of leaders of the
American Hellenic and American Jewish
organizations completed a fourth, three-country Leadership Mission to Greece, Cyprus and
Israel, to explore the major political, economic and security developments underway
in the eastern Mediterranean and to advance the interests of
the United States in the region. Meetings were held with more
than 30 high-ranking government and military officials and
policy analysts from the three countries and the United States
between January 11 and 17, 2020. The participating organizations included: the American Hellenic Educational Progressive
Association (Order of AHEPA), the American Hellenic Institute
(AHI), B'nai B'rith International, and the Conference of
Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.
In a post-mission statement, the groups noted:
"Our meetings clearly revealed the trilateral partnership
between Israel, Cyprus and Greece-now together with the
United States in a 3+1 framework-is moving forward on a
sustained course with a commitment to achieve peace and
stability in the eastern Mediterranean and the broader region.
The eastern Mediterranean provides strategic depth and the
3+1 is an ongoing, orienting framework that offers added value
to the region.
"We applaud the leaders of the three countries for their close
cooperative partnership. Through high-level meetings, the
groundwork for a roadmap of cooperation across a variety of
areas has been prepared. All level of government in conjunction
with the private sector, must contribute substance to the groundwork to yield additional actions and concrete results.
"Further, the trilateral partnership possesses the potential
to allow the eastern Mediterranean to become a community of
nations based on shared common values and aspirations. This
approach anticipates that the partnership is neither exclusionary
nor exclusive and we hope it expands to like-minded countries
that respect democratic values, international law, and sovereign
rights. This will only serve to strengthen the region.

THE AHEPAN · Spring 2020

"Provocative actions in the eastern Mediterranean and the
broader region are unacceptable, including infringements on
sovereignty. The engagement of the United States in the region
is critical and appreciated but, together with Europe, must do
more to counter the actions of malign actors in the eastern
Mediterranean.
"As committed supporters, the American Hellenic and
American Jewish communities are committed to advancing the
trilateral partnership and 3+1 framework. We will continue to
work to foster closer cooperation with the United States and
support the common efforts to achieve tangible and measurable
outcomes across all areas. For example, we commend programs
involving student and young professionals exchanges, initiatives
to combat anti-Semitism, and joint response efforts to natural
disasters.
"Finally, we are grateful to the many public officials who
afforded us the opportunity to exchange views and ideas. The
friendship and hospitality shown to us made the trip even more
meaningful and productive."

LEADERSHIP MISSION:
LISTING OF MEETINGS,
BRIEFINGS & VISITATIONS
Israel
* Foreign Policy Advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu, and Head of Foreign Policy Department, National
Security Council, Reuven Azar.
* Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel Isaac Herzog.
* Head of the Political-Military Bureau of the Israeli Ministry of
Defense Zohar Palti.
* Head of the Liaison Department for the Israel Defense Forces
(IDF) Col. Moshe Soffer.
* The joint delegation received a briefing at the Israeli Ministry
of Foreign Affairs with:
* Avraham Nir, head, European Division,

www.ahepa.org

http://www.ahepa.org

The Ahepan Spring 2020

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