Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his desire to host a trilateral summit involving Cyprus, Greece, and Israel soon in Israel. This was communicated during a meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Jerusalem, as part of the latter’s working visit to the country. According to an announcement from the Cypriot Presidency, Netanyahu highlighted the close relations between Cyprus and Israel, emphasizing cooperation in political, diplomatic, economic, and security sectors. Netanyahu noted that the region is undergoing significant transformation, with both Cyprus and Israel sharing common values and interests. He underscored the importance of the IMEC in the region and praised the successful trilateral collaboration among Cyprus, Greece, and Israel. Additionally, Netanyahu mentioned that the attack on Ben Gurion Airport would not go unanswered.
President Christodoulides congratulated Netanyahu on Israel’s national anniversary and expressed solidarity regarding the recent wildfires faced by Israel. Both leaders agreed that more could be done to enhance bilateral cooperation in defense, information exchange, trade, and tourism. Discussions also covered regional conditions, trilateral partnerships, and bilateral relations, including Cyprus’s priorities during its EU Presidency. Christodoulides reiterated the Republic of Cyprus’s position for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas, expressing deep emotion about the issue.
Israeli President Herzog described Cyprus as one of Israel’s closest friends, thanking the Cypriot government for its assistance in combating recent wildfires. Herzog emphasized the need for international efforts to address the humanitarian issue of hostage releases. During extended discussions, topics included bilateral relations, energy, upcoming Cypriot EU Presidency priorities, developments in the Cyprus issue, and the situation in the Middle East.