Cyprus is one of Israel’s closest friends, Herzog tells President Christodoulides

Cyprus is one of Israel’s closest friends, the country’s President Issak Herzog said on Sunday, 4 May, welcoming President Nikos Christodoulides, whom he also thanked for the assistance in the efforts to put out recent wildfires, Deputy Government Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou has said.

In a written statement on Sunday, Antoniou, said that welcoming President Christodoulides Herzog thanked him for Cyprus “immediately pitching in to helps fight the wildfires last week”.  

He also expressed his appreciation, since despite the attack at Ben Gurion airport, the President went through with visiting the country, the Deputy Spokesperson added.

President Herzog, Antoniou said, referred to the attacks Israel is under and the situation in the country and the region, stressing the need for an international effort to tackle the humanitarian matter of freeing the hostages from Hamas.

He congratulated President Christodoulides for the assumption by Cyprus of the EU Council Presidency in January.  

According to Antoniou, Herzog underlined that Cyprus is one of Israel’s closest friends, noting that there are over 110 flights between the two countries on a weekly basis.

On his part, President Christodoulides congratulated the President and the people of Israel for the national anniversary, expressing solidarity on behalf of Cyprus in dealing with wildfires.

Referring to the wildfires and other challenges, Antoniou said, “he noted that it is only through regional cooperation that these challenges can be tackled.”

According to the Deputy Spokesperson, President Christodoulides added that Cyprus is a “reliable, predictable neighbour, working for more cooperation not only to face the challenges but also to take advantage of the great potential of our region always for the benefit of our people and the countries of the Middle East and wider Eastern Mediterranean.”

He pointed out that despite the differences, despite, the different political approaches it is only through dialogue that we can face the issues we have in front of us, Antoniou continued.

He also said that his visit with the families of hostages was a deeply moving experience, adding that Cypriots know first-hand what it means.

This, he added, “is a clearly humanitarian issue, it is not a political or geopolitical issue.” He further reiterated the clear position of Cyprus that all the hostages must be released and said that Cyprus will do what it can in order for more hostages to return.

Referring to the bilateral relations between Cyprus and Israel, the President of the Republic described them as excellent, adding however that there is always more that can be done in areas such as energy, trade and tourism, Antoniou said.

The Deputy Government Spokesperson also noted that referring to Cyprus’ EU Council Presidency priorities he pointed out that a key priority is bring the EU closer to the region, to raise awareness about the importance of this region. He stressed, Antoniou said that, the Republic of Cyprus is the ambassador of the region in the EU.

The meeting was followed by expanded talks between the delegations of the two countries during which bilateral relations, energy, the Cyprus EU Council Presidency priorities, developments in the Cyprus problem and the situation in the Middle East were discussed, Antoniou concludes.

(Sources: CNA,PIO)