Strategic relations between Cyprus and Israel were discussed on Monday afternoon during a meeting in Jerusalem between President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides and President of Israel Isaac Herzog.
According to a statement by the Presidency of the Republic, President Herzog noted during the meeting that relations between Israel and Cyprus have been significantly upgraded in recent years, adding that Israelis are great admirers of Cyprus.
He also said that prospects for cooperation are strong not only with Cyprus but also with Greece and other countries in the eastern Mediterranean, stressing that Cyprus’ position in the region is crucial to its functionality and that the country serves as a bridge for peace.
President Christodoulides, for his part, said he was visiting Israel both for bilateral contacts and to take part in the proceedings of the 10th Trilateral Summit of Cyprus–Greece–Israel. He expressed his expectation that decisions to be taken later in the day would further strengthen strategic relations between the three countries.
He added that Cyprus and Israel maintain strategic cooperation in key areas such as defence and security, energy, the economy, trade, innovation and tourism. In this context, he noted that during the summer months there are 186 weekly flights between Cyprus and Israel, which he described as a clear indication of the close ties between the two peoples.
Referring to Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union, President Christodoulides said that one of its main priorities is to bring the EU closer to the region.
On the issue of Israeli hostages, the President reiterated that Cyprus’ position has been clear from the outset, adding that efforts will also be made during Cyprus’ EU Presidency to secure the return of all hostages.
In conclusion, the statement said that President Christodoulides invited President Herzog to visit Cyprus. The invitation was accepted, with Mr Herzog wishing the people of Cyprus a Merry Christmas.
Separately, according to information from the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), President Christodoulides held a telephone conversation last night with President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas.