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President Nicos Anastasiades and his Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog condemned the war in Ukraine, in their statements after their meeting at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, as part of the Israeli President's official visit to Cyprus.
Speaking to reporters, the two men stressed the need to find a solution to the Ukrainian issue through dialogue and diplomatic means.
The talks between the two countries' delegations also covered bilateral cooperation, the Cyprus-Israel-Greece trilateral format, the Cyprus problem and Cyprus' initiative on the climate crisis
Ukraine: Need for solution through diplomatic means
The President said the meeting was held in the shadow of the tragic events in Ukraine, noting that both agree that the situation can only be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic means.
He noted that as Cypriots we understand the plague of the Ukrainian people, having suffered the tragic consequences of the 1974 Turkish invasion.
"Therefore, it goes without saying that we joined our voice with the voice of our partners in the EU and beyond in condemning the Russian invasion and in taking measures to help the Ukrainian people in these critical moments," President Anastasiades said.
The President noted in his remarks that the war in Ukraine is having a major impact on energy supply and energy prices[/B] and this, he pointed out, further strengthens the argument and conviction that the EU needs diversified and stable energy supply for its energy security.
"In this respect, we are convinced that the Eastern Mediterranean, of which our countries are an integral part, can prove to be extremely beneficial for the EU's energy security, providing alternative routes and also cleaner energy sources."
For his part, the President of Israel said, among other things, that in Ukraine tragedies are unfolding.
He referred to the historical event when thousands of Jews were executed outside Kiev during World War II, noting that a museum was erected on the site, which was attacked yesterday by Russian troops.
He spoke of a terrible tragedy that we see unfolding before our eyes and expressed his deep pain and sorrow for the tragedy, for the people of the country and the members of the Jewish community.
"I hope and we all hope and pray that this war will end quickly."
"I hope and we all hope and pray that this war will end quickly."
"I hope and we all hope and pray that this war will end quickly."
"I hope and we all hope and pray that this war will end quickly. The Israeli government has reaffirmed its support for the national integrity of Ukraine and through the (United Nations) General Assembly resolution," he noted.
President Herzog said thatIsrael is working to help promote a diplomatic solution in Ukraine and has offered its services to that end. At the same time, he has sent a large amount of humanitarian aid, which he considers a moral obligation.
Bilateral cooperation; energy; climate crisis
President Anastasiades spoke of excellent relations in the political sphere, which are also reflected in the robust cooperation between the respective business and scientific communities of the two countries and the increase in people-to-people contacts.
He said that the East Med pipeline, if proven technically and economically viable, can provide gas and hydrogen, thus diversifying European supply routes and adapting to various market needs.
In addition, he said, theEuroAsia Interconnector, with its practical importance and strategic value for promoting cross-border energy cooperation, has attracted strong EU support, with the European Commission recently approving a significant part of its funding.
The President noted that the ongoing climate crisis was also a major topic of discussion with his Israeli counterpart, expressing Nicosia's appreciation for Israel's active support for the Government's climate change initiative in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
He said he listened with interest to President Herzog's views on the importance of taking urgent action to promote credible, complementary partnerships in the region, always in accordance with international law.
The President also said that views were also exchanged on the progress of the trilateral cooperation mechanism with Greece, which covers a wide range of areas in which all three partners bring together their comparative advantages for mutual benefit.
"A cooperation based on our shared assessment that the growing and ever-changing challenges facing the international order and our region can only be addressed through dialogue and respect for international law. This view is widely shared, as demonstrated by the readiness of the United States to engage in an expanded 3 plus 1 format."
President Herzog in his own remarks said that Cyprus-Israel-Greece are anchors of stability in the Mediterranean and more specifically the Cyprus-Israel relationship is a pillar of stability and the key to a sustainable and prosperous region in the future.
He referred to bilateral cooperation in many areas and the creation of new economic synergies and the need for these relations to go further in the areas of culture and people-to-people relations so that the new leaders from Cyprus and Israel can support the next generation of the partnership.
President Herzog praised Cyprus' initiative on climate change and the bilateral relationship in the energy sector.
"We strongly support the development of such formats through strategic action plans. And their expansion to include other partners, in particular the US," he said.
Cyprus
On the Cyprus issue, President Anastasiades said he briefed his Israeli counterpart on the numerous and persistent efforts on our side, including the proposed confidence-building measures (CBMs) to re-launch a meaningful negotiation process that will deliver results.
He referred to the claims of both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership for a two-state solution, contrary to the agreed basis for a solution and unilateral and illegal actions on the territory and at sea that are contrary to international law and Security Council resolutions.
He expressed gratitude for Israel's principled position on the Cyprus issue and for President Herzog's personal interest and commitment to reunification efforts.
"It remains vital for all stakeholders to work constructively to create the necessary conditions for results-oriented negotiations and I express my appreciation that you will convey our messages during your upcoming visit to Turkey," the President said.
The President of Israel in his own remarks said the tragedy in Ukraine is a reminder of the need for everyone to work together to protect their principles and values, and thus their interests, adding that this will be his message to Turkey during his visit there, as he said he believes in the cooperation of all peoples for the well-being of humanity.
Medal Ceremony
After concluding his statements to the media, President Anastasiades decorated the President of Israel with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.
At the ceremony, the President said, addressing Mr Herzog, that "this may be your first visit in your present capacity, but your ties with the island were forged before you were born."
He referred to his grandparents' presence on the island and the fact that they were an integral part of what could be called the island's first large-scale business venture in agriculture in the 1930s and to the help his family provided to Jews in colonial Cyprus.
He also spoke of his personal contribution to the establishment of close cooperation between the diaspora of Cyprus, Israel and Greece and the fact that Cyprus recently gained observer membership of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), as evidence of its strong commitment to respecting diversity and combating anti-Semitism in all its forms.
He said the Grand Necklace is being awarded to President Herzog today because of his legacy, his contributions to date and his future efforts to promote universal values and strengthen ties between the two nations.
For his part, the President of Israel, among other things, thanked President Anastasiades for what he has done to strengthen bilateral relations and for his deep commitment to human values and the fight against intolerance and anti-Semitism.
He added that he himself is a great friend of Cyprus and referred at length to his family's close ties with the island. He also referred to Cyprus' help in serving as a refuge for thousands of Jews during World War II, which he said was an expression of the special values of the people of Cyprus.
He added that he accepted today's honour on behalf of all those thousands of Jewish refugees.
Finally, he invited the President of the Republic to visit Israel, expressing his wish to award him with a similar honorary distinction, while stressing the principles with which President Anastasiades is conducting his term of office.
The decoration ceremony was followed by an official lunch hosted by the President of the Republic in honor of the President of Israel.
Source: CNA
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