Nicosia: Nicosia could host a Cyprus-Israel-Lebanon trilateral meeting if asked, sources told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA). This possibility was discussed following the expression of interest by Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his visit to the Presidential Palace, where he met with President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Herzog expressed his aspiration for a trilateral meeting with the Presidents of Cyprus, Lebanon, and Israel, even suggesting Nicosia as a potential location. He emphasized the importance of advancing peace in the region and presented this meeting as a hopeful vision for the future. Competent sources revealed that this proposal sends a message to Lebanon regarding the potential for reaching an understanding with Israel.
The sources further clarified that while Nicosia is open to hosting such a meeting, the decision largely depends on the domestic situations in both Israel and Lebanon. Discussions between the two leaders also touched on defense cooperation, with Cyprus planning to explore defense procurement opportunities with Israel, one of its largest suppliers of defense equipment.
Israeli defense companies have expressed interest in establishing operations in Cyprus, possibly to leverage the EU's SAFE programme. Additionally, President Christodoulides brought up the longstanding issue of a Cyprus-Israel double taxation avoidance agreement from 2011 and emphasized the significance of the Ishai-Aphrodite gas field, which is nearing completion.
The Israeli delegation received updates on the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project. Furthermore, discussions highlighted the decline in Israeli investors purchasing property in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus following the arrest of Simon Aykut, with Israel launching an information campaign on the issue.
Regarding the upcoming elections in Israel, it was noted that the outcome remains uncertain. However, Nicosia has prepared for various scenarios while acknowledging the historical development of bilateral relations between the two countries.
