Cyprus delegation to visit Israel at earliest date possible

President Nicos Anastasiades and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu agreed on Monday that a visit to Israel by a delegation of high ranking Cypriot officials must take place as soon as possible to cover important issues relating to the cooperation of the two countries.

In a telephone call shared between Anastasiades congratulated Netanyahu on his re-election as Prime Minister of Israel.

According to a written statement by deputy government spokesperson Panayiotis Sentonas, “during their telephone conversation, the two sides underlined once again their determination to maintain the excellent cooperation the two states have enjoyed until today.”

Sentonas went on to say that the leaders of the two countries agreed that Anastasiades, along with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Energy, as well as the Deputy Minister for Tourism, visit Israel at the soonest possible date.

During the phone conversation, the two also discussed “the situation, as it is developing in the two countries, relating to the handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the gradual restoration of normality,” Sentonas said.

Additionally, Anastasiades and Netanyahu also discussed the matter of the resumption of flights between the two countries, as well as the plans in place for tourism.

“They also referred to the efforts being made for the further enhancement of the tripartite relations between Cyprus, Greece, and Israel, in view of the benefit of their people and their economies.”

Security and stability in the wider eastern Mediterranean region, particularly in light of Turkey’s illegal activities, were also discussed, Sentonas noted.

Finally, Anastasiades expressed the island’s readiness to host the next Heads of State summit for cooperation mechanisms.