“Substantial progress” was made toward a final agreement on outstanding matters in negotiations between the Holy See and the state of Israel aimed at implementing the Fundamental Agreement reached in 1993. The Apostolic Nuncio to Israel, Archbishop Antonio Franco spoke with us following the conclusion of a high-level meeting Thursday at the Israeli Foreign Ministry. Listen Below, find the full text of the joint communiqué ********************* Joint Communiqué The Bilateral Permanent Working Commission between the State of Israel and the Holy See met [Thursday], 26 January 2012, at the Plenary level, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to carry on negotiations pursuant to the Fundamental Agreement Article 10 paragraph 2, dealing with economic and fiscal matters. The meeting was headed by Mr. Danny AYALON, MK, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and by Monsignor Ettore BALESTRERO, Under-Secretary for Relations with States. The negotiations took place in an open, friendly and constructive atmosphere. Substantive progress was made on issues of significance. The Parties have agreed on the next steps towards the conclusion of the Agreement and to hold the next Plenary meeting in 11 June 2012 at the Vatican. ...