The Bilateral Permanent Working Commission between the Holy See and the State of Israel has made "significant progress" towards the conclusion of the Fundamental Agreement in its meeting in Rome, the Press Office of the Holy See said in press release."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 communiqué read.
Mgr Ettore Balestrero, Vatican Under-Secretary for Relations with States, headed the meeting with Mr Danny Ayalon, Israel's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Commission further acknowledged the "exemplary service" of Their Excellencies Archbishop Antonio Franco and Ambassador Mordechay Lewy on the occasion of their retirement.
The next plenary meeting is scheduled for 6 December 2012, in Israel.