Cyprus and Israel share common values, are reliable friends and partners and their bilateral relations are today in their best chapter in their history, Israeli Minister of Defence Avigdor Lieberman has stressed.
Lieberman, who is paying Cyprus a visit, held a meeting on Friday with his Cypriot counterpart Christoforos Fokaides. In statements after the meeting, he said that the two states enjoy a very close cooperation in many areas, including politics, security, economy, tourism.
He also referred to the Cyprus issue, expressing the wish that the talks succeed and Cyprus is reunified.
On his part, Fokaides said that during the meeting they discussed the geopolitical developments in the wider region and how they influence both international and domestic security.
In addition, he said they reviewed the `remarkable steps that we have made in our relations during the last couple of years` but also set the framework for the next steps ahead.
“This strategic relation that we have built does not only serve our national interests. It is also in line with the common interest of our wider region. It serves the common goal of Europe and the international community for security and stability in this fragile neighbourhood”, Fokaides pointed out.
In his statements, the Israeli official said that Cyprus and Israel are `two very small democratic non Muslim states` in the region, that share the same values and `are very reliable partners`.
Reliable friends
`Despite all political problems, security problems in our region, we are two small democracies and very very reliable friends. I was happy to start this new chapter seven years ago in our bilateral relations and today maybe the best chapter in our history. We enjoy very close cooperation in many levels, including security, political cooperation, economic cooperation`, he underlined.
Referring to tourism, Lieberman said that more than 100,000 tourists from Israel visited Cyprus in the previous year and at least 40% more will visit the island until the end of this year.
As regards security issues, he expressed the view that the cooperation of the two countries on security level, constitutes a huge contribution to security of all moderate states in the region.
`I hope that we continue our successful dialogue, our fruitful cooperation and I wish you to accomplish your talks and I would be happy to see again unification in this beautiful island` he concluded.
In his statements, the Cypriot Minister pointed out that Lieberman`s visit to Cyprus `constitutes a clear manifestation that the reliable partnership that we have established is growing further`.
In particular, he said, in the priority pillar of security and defence, `it proves our common will and joint commitment to strengthen our coordination in addressing new asymmetric threats, in fighting terrorism, in promoting conditions of stability and regional cooperation in Eastern Mediterranean`.
Fokaides noted that this is not only important for those who live in this neighbourhood, it is important for Europe which has suffered from terrorist violence, it is important for the security of the whole world.
Energy prospects
Referring to the energy prospects in the region, he said that they should only work as a catalyst to solve long-standing problems and to promote mutually beneficial incentives for all neighbouring countries.
`To achieve these two things are of crucial importance: goodwill and predictability` he stressed.
During the talks, Fokaides said, `we had the opportunity to discuss all these, the geopolitical developments in the wider region and how they influence both international and our domestic security`.
“In this respect, I underlined the initiatives undertaken by the Republic of Cyprus in the direction of promoting cooperation with other neighbouring countries like Egypt and Jordan` he said.
The Cypriot Defence Minister also said they reviewed the progress, as well as the future plans, in relation to all items included in the Bilateral Programme of Military Cooperation, including common exercises, training, exchange of information, cyber and search and rescue.
Fokaides briefed Lieberman on the latest developments on the Cyprus issue, and `our intensive efforts for a viable solution that will end the anachronism of division and occupation of a member state of EU`.
“I reiterated our position that such a solution should of course not curtail the capacity of Cyprus as a sovereign independent state to continue playing a constructive role as a pillar of security – as a security provider – in this turbulent region”, he underlined.
Concluding, Fokaides expressed his appreciation for Lieberman`s dedicated efforts and principled support to Cyprus and for the value that he personally attributes to the Cyprus – Israel relations.
Source: CNA
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