Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his desire for a future trilateral summit involving the leaders of Cyprus, Israel and Lebanon during talks with President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia on Thursday.
Herzog, who is in Cyprus on a working visit, said such a meeting remains a personal ambition and argued that countries in the region should work towards greater stability and peace.
Strategic partnership in focus
Welcoming Herzog to the Presidential Palace, Christodoulides described him as a familiar friend of Cyprus and referred to the longstanding ties between the Herzog family and the island.
The Cypriot president said discussions would focus on strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries across a range of areas, including:
- Tourism
- Trade
- Security
- Energy
- Defence
- Regional developments
Christodoulides highlighted the growing links between Cyprus and Israel, noting that the number of flights between the two countries had reached record levels this summer, exceeding 200 flights per week.
He said both sides would also exchange views on regional developments and examine ways of working together with like-minded countries to promote stability, security and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Herzog: “It's my dream”
Thanking Christodoulides for the welcome, Herzog spoke warmly of his personal connection with Cyprus.
"I love your country and have loved it since childhood," he said, adding that he is always impressed by Cyprus' continued development and progress.
Addressing the prospect of broader regional cooperation, Herzog said he hoped one day to see a meeting bringing together the presidents of Cyprus, Israel and Lebanon.
"My dream is that we will be able to meet with the President of Lebanon, the President of Cyprus and the President of Israel, even here," Herzog said.
He added that the region should move towards peace while ensuring that terrorism is rejected and eliminated.
Working meeting and lunch
Following their public statements, the two leaders held a private meeting before attending a working lunch.
The visit forms part of ongoing high-level contacts between Cyprus and Israel as both countries seek to deepen cooperation on political, economic and security matters.
Source: CNA
