Jerusalem: President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus is undertaking a significant one-day working visit to Jerusalem and Ramallah today, engaging in high-profile meetings with the senior political leadership of both Israel and Palestine. The visit comes as Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with discussions focusing on bilateral interests and regional developments.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides’ visit aims to underscore Cyprus’s role in promoting peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean through dialogue and diplomacy. Addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region is also a key agenda item. The President began his visit in Jerusalem, meeting with families of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
In the afternoon, President Christodoulides is scheduled to meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Presidential Palace, followed by expanded talks between their delegations. He will then have a private meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leading to further discussions with their respective teams.
The President will later travel to Ramallah, where he will meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. This meeting will be followed by expanded talks, culminating in a working dinner hosted by President Abbas. While in Ramallah, President Christodoulides will also meet with UNICEF officials.
Accompanying the President on this diplomatic mission are several key officials, including Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, National Security Advisor Tassos Tzionis, and other members of his diplomatic team. President Christodoulides is expected to return to Cyprus late this evening.