"Greece and Cyprus will work as members of the EU to ensure financial resources in the energy sector. To accelerate cooperation, a Joint Working Group, composed of the Secretaries General of relevant ministries of the three countries, was established," said government sources.

They pointed out that the cooperation also extends to other areas such as tourism, culture, water management, desalination technology and the protection of the marine environment. The cooperation and transfer of knowhow for support and development of startups (start ups) is also of particular importance.

They also discussed the regional developments and security issues. "Greece and Cyprus pledge to contribute constructively in the strengthening of the European Union's relations with Israel. They also pledge to contribute to promoting the EU's role on the resumption of meaningful and credible talks between Israel and Palestine," the same government sources stated.

[02] Cooperation possibilities in energy, construction, technology dominate Deputy FM Mardas' meetings in Tel Aviv and Ramallah

On Thursday, Mardas met with the caretaker minister of European issues of Palestine Amal Zatu in Ramallah with whom he discussed the potential of cooperation in the sectors of construction, building and commodities.

Zatu, according to an announcement, expressed her pleasure over Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' statements during the signing of the agreements with Israel. Palestine expressed interest in Greece's participation in the construction of one of the industrial zones and requested the offering of knowhow on the development of Palestine's tourism market.

Mardas also presented the potential and opportunities that the Greek economy offers to 13 Israeli entrepreneurs. In the context of the meeting held at the Greek Embassy in Tel Aviv, Mardas discussed in detail the potential of the cooperation between Greece and Israel in the trade sector. According to the same announcement, the Israeli businessmen expressed interest in investments in Greece and particularly in the sectors of trade, technology, energy and tourism.

Afterwards, Mardas had a meeting with the president of the Commerce Chambers of Israel with whom he discussed the possibility of upgrading the bilateral trade relations.

[03] New refugees boat tragedy; 26 bodies recovered

According to a refugee that was located on a Samos beach, the boat was carrying 40-50 people and 9 of them have been rescued until late Thursday.

Two Greek coast guard patrol boats, two Frontex vessels assisted by a SUPER PUMA military helicopter and a warship are currently searching the region for survivors.

[04] Ships to remain docked for another 48h due to seamen's strike

PNO is expected to meet again on Saturday in order to decide on the future of its mobilisations.

The federation's general secretary Yiannis Halas speaking to ANA-MPA on the escalation of their mobilisations said that until today there was no answer to their requests from the government. "I estimate that we are heading to a total disaster. I may be pressed from the islanders but I can't do otherwise," he said adding that by no means will he allow that assets of the seamens social security fund to be absorbed by the new single fund.

PNO in an announcement demands the withdrawal of the draft law on social security noting that due to the special character of the seamen's profession their fund can't been incorporated in the new single national social security fund.

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