President Christodoulides' meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. Image Credit: X/@IsraeliPM
Oct 22,
2023. Posted by Balkan Periscope - Hellas
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, undertook separate meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His visit to Tel Aviv followed his participation in the Cairo Peace Summit held in Cairo, Egypt.
Addressing the Crisis
The primary focus of President Christodoulides’ meetings with Israeli
leaders was to address the escalating crisis in the Middle East region.
He conveyed messages about the urgent need civilians. The president also
stressed the importance of initiating a political dialogue aimed at resolving
the longstanding Middle East problem.
Meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu
The president commenced his diplomatic efforts with a meeting with Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During the discussions, Prime Minister Netanyahu
expressed his gratitude for President Christodoulides’ visit during a
particularly challenging time. He highlighted the horrific experiences of the
Israeli people following terrorist attacks by Hamas. Netanyahu also referred to
his recent meetings with world leaders, emphasizing the need for a unified
global front against terrorism and Hamas.
Prime Minister Netanyahu underscored the importance of the civilized world
uniting against terrorism. He expressed his appreciation for the support and
solidarity demonstrated by the President of Cyprus from the very beginning of
the terrorist attacks.
Meeting with President Herzog
President Christodoulides also met with the President of Israel, Isaac
Herzog. President Herzog extended his gratitude for the visit, emphasizing the
significance of international solidarity during a national mourning period for
Israel. He shared the gravity of the situation, with over 210 hostages,
including children, elderly individuals, and those with medical conditions, as
well as hundreds of innocent people, held captive.
President Herzog emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself while adhering
to international humanitarian law. He revealed that humanitarian aid was being
sent to Gaza to help civilians cope with the ongoing crisis. Importantly,
President Herzog mentioned the careful monitoring of the situation on Israel’s
northern border and held the Lebanese state accountable for any worsening of
the situation.
President Christodoulides’ meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv. Image Credit: X/@IsraelPresident
Cyprus Stands in Solidarity
In response, President Christodoulides expressed the solidarity of the
Cypriot people and the Republic of Cyprus. He stressed the urgent need for the
hostages’ immediate release and commended the initiation of humanitarian aid to
Gaza as a positive development. As a neighbor and a friend, President
Christodoulides conveyed that Cyprus shared the concerns of Israel, emphasizing
the role of the European Union in the crisis.
The President, as a member of the EU, emphasized the need for the European
Union’s active involvement during this challenging period for the neighborhood.
The meetings were also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos
Kombos, the Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letympiotis, and the Director of
the Diplomatic Office of the President Marilena Raouna.
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