Nicosia: Tourism, trade, security, energy, defence, and regional developments were on the agenda of the meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, President Christodoulides noted while welcoming Herzog to Nicosia on Thursday.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Herzog, who is in Nicosia on a working visit, expressed the wish for a trilateral meeting between the Presidents of Cyprus, Lebanon, and Israel, noting that this was 'a dream' to him, and that it was important to 'move towards peace in the region.'

President Christodoulides, welcoming the Israeli President at the Presidential Palace, said that Herzog was 'not a stranger to us', highlighting his family's 'deep-rooted connection to Cyprus.' He expressed his anticipation for discussions on enhancing the two countries' strategic partnership at all levels.

Regarding tourism, Christodoulides mentioned that in the summer, there is 'a record number of flights coming from Israel, more than 200 per week, where the average every year is approximately 140.' He emphasized the importance of discussing tourism, trade, security, energy, and defence, while also exchanging views on regional developments and collaborating with other like-minded countries to create conditions of stability, security, and cooperation.

Herzog thanked President Christodoulides for the welcome, expressing his long-standing affection for Cyprus. He commended the dialogue between the two nations, appreciating the 'openness and frankness' on all discussed issues.

Herzog also articulated his aspiration for a meeting involving the Presidents of Lebanon, Cyprus, and Israel, emphasizing the need to move towards peace while ensuring the elimination of terrorism for the wellbeing of the region and the world. He conveyed a 'message of friendship from Israel' and expressed hope for further strengthening of the 'unique partnership' between the two nations.