Newsroom / CNA
During a reception held by the Embassy of Israel in Nicosia to commemorate Israel's 75th independence anniversary, Cyprus's Defense Minister, Michalis Giorgallas, expressed that Nicosia eagerly looks forward to hosting the next political level 3+1 meeting involving Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the USA before the year's end. Additionally, Cyprus plans to host the 9th Cyprus, Greece, and Israel Trilateral Summit in 2023.
Giorgallas highlighted the historical and deep bond between Cyprus and Israel, stemming from shared values, geographic proximity, and historical connections. He emphasized the growth of their partnership over the past decade, encompassing sectors such as energy, defense, tourism, cybersecurity, business, and innovation.
The Defense Minister underscored the recent visit of President Christodoulides to Israel, demonstrating the high priority placed on bilateral relations and the commitment to further advancing strategic cooperation. Giorgallas also mentioned the successful visit of Defense Minister Gallant to Cyprus, emphasizing the focus on a secure, stable, and prosperous future for the region through robust defense partnerships.
Giorgallas praised the trilateral collaboration with Greece, which has set an example of regional cooperation and yielded concrete benefits in various domains, particularly energy cooperation and the prospects it offers. He highlighted the importance of energy diversification and increased interconnectivity in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine, stressing the need to develop a reliable energy corridor from the Eastern Mediterranean basin to Europe.
The Defense Minister expressed excitement about the upcoming political level 3+1 meeting and the potential inclusion of other countries in the region's cooperation. He affirmed Cyprus's readiness to join Israel and other partners in regional multilateral platforms to enhance security and stability in the broader neighborhood.
Ambassador Oren Anolik commended President Christodoulides' visit to Israel, which took place during a challenging period when Israeli citizens were under attack. He expressed gratitude for the President's support and solidarity, emphasizing the deep strategic alliance between Cyprus and Israel. The Ambassador expressed optimism for the future of their alliance and extended appreciation to all those who contributed to its current level of friendship.
Overall, the reception celebrated the longstanding friendship between Cyprus and Israel while looking forward to strengthening strategic alliances through upcoming meetings and trilateral cooperation.
