Jerusalem: The need to resolve outstanding issues regarding the management of the Aphrodite-Ishai gas fields, the possibility of launching the construction of the Cyprus-Israel leg of the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, as well as Turkey's actions in the region were discussed by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, during their bilateral meeting on Monday in Jerusalem, the Cyprus News Agency has learnt.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the purchase of military equipment from Israel and joint ventures between Israeli and Cypriot companies to obtain funds from the SAFE EU programme, were also discussed. Nicosia assesses as very important the bilateral meeting between President Christodoulides and the Israeli Prime Minister. The meeting took place before the Cyprus-Greece-Israel Trilateral Summit in Jerusalem.
During the meeting, pending issues regarding the management of the Aphrodite-Ishai gas fields were discussed, with an intention to resolve the issue by the end of January. The Republic of Cyprus had sent its final comment last week. Extensive discussion on the GSI project was also held, with a possibility of starting the project from the Cyprus-Israel leg, which is smaller compared to the Cyprus-Greece leg, potentially saving time and money.
In this context, the Israeli Prime Minister is expected to discuss this issue with the US President, Donald Trump, during his visit to the White House on December 29. The interconnection of this project with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), specifically with the creation of the Cyprus-Israel-Jordan-Saudi Arabia-India network, was also on the agenda. President Christodoulides suggested Lebanon's inclusion in the network.
The leaders also discussed Lebanon, Syria, and Iran at length. The Israeli Prime Minister expressed concern and dissatisfaction with Turkey's actions and involvement in the region, noting its support for groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, which is viewed as dangerous by countries such as Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon. Netanyahu's reference to those imagining they can restore empires and dominate was aimed at Turkey, as Turkey tried to derail Cyprus's agreement with Lebanon on the delimitation of their Exclusive Economic Zones through Hezbollah.
The possibility of purchasing three types of military equipment, crucial for the National Guard, was discussed along with joint exercises between Cyprus and Israel. Israeli companies forming joint ventures with Cypriot companies to access EU funds under the SAFE programme was also considered. The Israeli Prime Minister requested assistance from the Cyprus EU Presidency to change Israel's image in Europe and expressed a desire to participate in the EU firefighting center based in Cyprus.
The timing of the Cyprus-Greece-Israel Trilateral Summit is crucial for the Republic of Cyprus, occurring just days before Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU. The Summit highlights Cyprus's role as a reliable partner and security pillar, linking the Eastern Mediterranean with European political priorities in energy, interconnectivity, security, and resilience.
The Summit, which was the first at the leadership level since the 9th Trilateral in Nicosia, reaffirms the need for an Eastern Mediterranean with stable security rules and political understanding. The main political objective was to reaffirm the strategic framework covering energy, economy, defence, cybersecurity, maritime security, civil protection, and crisis management.
The prospect of reviving and upgrading the 3+1 cooperation format among the three countries and the US is emerging. In the energy sector, political impetus was provided for projects like the GSI and submarine telecommunications cables, aligned with IMEC. The Cyprus-Lebanon EEZ Delimitation Agreement signed on November 26, 2025, strengthens regional energy security and stability, paving the way for future cross-border arrangements and energy planning.
Cyprus is promoting itself as a secure European hub for logistics, port services, transportation, storage, and special training, utilizing structures such as CYCLOPS in Larnaka. The 'Amalthea' humanitarian corridor is an example of operational effectiveness, delivering 30,000 tons of humanitarian aid since its activation.
Decisions targeting implementation by 2026 aim to enhance resilience and preparedness, including establishing a Maritime Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Cyprus, forming working groups for Emergency Preparedness, health issues, and conducting joint exercises to address maritime pollution incidents. These initiatives are intended to strengthen cybersecurity, civil protection, and marine environment protection.