Energy cooperation and the coordination of humanitarian aid to Gaza were key topics discussed during the official meeting between President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday in Jerusalem.
According to a written statement by Deputy Government Spokesman, Yiannis Antoniou, top priority was given to energy matters, particularly the coordination mechanism regarding the natural gas reserves in the “Aphrodite” field, which lies partly within Israel’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The two leaders reviewed the progress of bilateral consultations on this long-standing issue and explored ways to move forward toward a practical settlement.
Also read: Greece and Cyprus support Great Sea Interconnector project
Also on the agenda was the Cyprus-led Amalthea initiative for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. According to the statement, President Christodoulides reiterated the importance of ensuring a sustained and secure flow of aid to civilians in need and emphasized Cyprus’ ongoing efforts to act as a reliable regional humanitarian hub.
The President of the Republic, Antoniou said, “stressed the necessity of ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and it was agreed that efforts would be made to cooperate within the framework of a new and stable plan.”
Antoniou noted that the two sides also discussed broader strategic connectivity in the region, focusing on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). They agreed to synchronize efforts and maintain close coordination with other regional and international stakeholders to enhance the corridor’s viability and effectiveness.
Electricity cable agreement under the IMEC project to be signed this year
Meanwhile, according to a joint announcement issued by the Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office and Israel’s Energy Ministry during the same diplomatic meeting, which included Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen and Cypriot Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Giorgos Papanastasiou, both countries agreed to sign the electricity cable agreement under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project championed by the United States.
The electricity interconnector will link Israel and Cyprus, and eventually connect Cyprus to mainland Europe.
“Laying the electricity cable is significantly important for energy security given that Israel is considered an ‘island nation’ in the energy sense and since the infrastructure corridor will constitute a link between the East and the West, between India and Europe”, the announcement pointed out.
It is added that two countries discussed an agreement on the division of the ‘Aphrodite-Yishai’ gas field between the two countries, the negotiations for which are in an advanced stage, and which is expected to be signed in the next two months.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to host trilateral summit with Cyprus and Greece
Prime Minister Netanyahu has also expressed his desire to soon host a trilateral summit with Cyprus and Greece in Israel, according to a statement issued by the Cypriot Presidency.
According to the statement, Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed President Christodoulides stressing the strong bilateral ties between Israel and Cyprus.
Netanyahu also commented on the broader regional shifts currently underway, highlighting that Cyprus and Israel, as two democracies in the region, share common values and interests aimed at securing a prosperous future. He also noted his intention to soon host a summit under the framework of this trilateral mechanism.
The Israeli Prime Minister further commented on the recent attack on Ben Gurion Airport, declaring that it would not go unanswered.
On his part, President Christodoulides congratulated Netanyahu on Israel’s national day and expressed solidarity following the recent wildfires in the country.
“Cyprus has once again proven to be a reliable and predictable neighbour,” said Christodoulides, adding that Cyprus stands ready to support its friends in times of need.
The Cypriot President stressed that while relations between the two countries are excellent, there was still much more to be done, particularly in defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, trade, and tourism. Discussions also focused on regional developments, trilateral partnerships, bilateral relations, and Cyprus’s priorities during its presidency of the Council of the EU.
President Christodoulides also expressed deep concern over the issue of hostages and reiterated Cyprus’s call for their immediate release.
Also read: Israel approves expanded Gaza offensive amid hostage talks
Source: CNA
