Nicosia could host a trilateral meeting between Cyprus, Israel,-Lebanon trilateral meeting if asked to do so, sources told CNA regarding the desire expressed by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, for such a meeting upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace for a meeting with the President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides.
Prior to his private meeting with President Christodoulides, Mr. Herzog, in his remarks, expressed his desire for a trilateral meeting between the Presidents of Cyprus, Lebanon, and Israel, noting that this is a “dream” of his and that it is important to “move toward peace in the region.”
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Authoritative sources reported that the Israeli President expressed a hope for the future, sending a message to Lebanon that there is a possibility for the two countries to find common ground.
It was also noted that these issues are not within Nicosia’s control, and that both Israel and Lebanon are facing internal issues, but that the Republic of Cyprus has no problem hosting such a meeting if asked.
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As reported, the consultations covered cooperation in the defense sector and the Republic of Cyprus’s planning, and that the two sides will remain in contact regarding what Cyprus can specifically acquire as part of its defense procurement program. It was noted that Israel is one of the Republic of Cyprus’s largest suppliers of defense equipment.
Israeli defense companies are showing interest in coming to Cyprus and establishing a presence in the country so that they can potentially benefit from the EU’s SAFE program, it was reported.
According to the same sources, the President of the Republic also raised an issue that has been pending since 2011, concerning plans for a Cyprus-Israel double taxation avoidance agreement.
President Christodoulides, as was also reported, raised the issue of the Isai-Aphrodite gas field, noting that it is a priority, with the Israelis indicating that it is nearing completion.
During the consultations, the Israelis also inquired about and were briefed on the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), according to the same sources.
It was also mentioned during the consultations that, following the arrest of Shimon Aikut, the number of Israeli investors in the occupied territories plummeted, and that the State of Israel had organized an awareness campaign regarding property in the occupied territories.
Regarding the upcoming elections in Israel, it was noted that the outcome is too close to call, but that Nicosia has done its groundwork and is prepared for whatever may happen. “The relationship is what it is,” the same sources noted, referring to the historical development of relations between the two countries.
Source: CNA
