Jerusalem: The strategic relationship between Cyprus and Israel was the focus of a meeting in Jerusalem on Monday afternoon between the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Herzog remarked that relations between Israel and Cyprus have been upgraded to an "enormous" extent in recent years, adding that Israelis are great admirers of Cyprus.
He emphasized the significant prospects for cooperation with Cyprus, Greece, and other nations in the Eastern Mediterranean, noting that Cyprus's key position in the region is vital to its stability, serving as a "bridge of peace."
President Christodoulides stated that he was in Israel for both bilateral contacts and the 10th Trilateral Summit of Cyprus, Greece, and Israel. He expressed his anticipation for the decisions to be made, which will further strengthen the strategic ties between the three nations.
He added that Cyprus and Israel share strategic relations in sectors including defense, security, energy, economy, trade, innovation, and tourism. As a clear sign of the strong ties between their people, he highlighted the 186 weekly flights between the two countries during the summer period.
Referring to the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), President Christodoulides said that a main priority will be to bring the European Union closer to the region.
Finally, the President affirmed that Cyprus's position on the Israeli hostages has been clear from the start, adding that under its EU Presidency, it will work towards the return of all hostages.
The announcement concluded by stating that President Christodoulides invited President Herzog to visit Cyprus, an invitation which Herzog accepted while extending Christmas wishes to the Cypriot people.
Furthermore, CNA learns that President Christodoulides also held a telephone conversation with the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, on Monday evening.