The current strategic environment and future security developments in the region, and their subsequent implications on their respective countries, were discussed on Tuesday by Cypriot Minister of Defence Savvas Angelides and Israeli Minister of Defence Naftali Bennet, during a meeting in the framework of Angelides’ official visit to Israel.
In a joint statement, the two Ministers say they noted the close and warm relations between the State of Israel and the Republic of Cyprus, which stem from shared values and mutual interests, and expressed their contentment from the firm defence ties between the nations.
They also discussed ways to promote the defence cooperation between their respective defence establishments in light of the regional challenges.
Previous update on Cyprus – Israel relationship
Earlier this year, President Anastasiades said that Cyprus and Israel have embarked on a new era of partnership, while receiving an Honorary Doctorate from IDC Herzliya University of Israel.
The President said that he considered the honour awarded to him as an honour to the country and people that he represents and as the genuine recognition and appreciation of the long-standing struggles of Cypriot Hellenism for freedom and justice.
The President said that the quest of Cypriots and Jews for survival and self – determination was marked by the passage of more than 53,000 holocaust survivors from the British camps in Cyprus after the Second World War.
He added that during those extremely difficult times, the people of Cyprus, without any hesitation, embraced Jewish refugees from Europe during the shameful drama of the Holocaust.
“These events touch upon a key characteristic common to our two peoples: Resilience in the face of adversity, coupled with a unique bond of compassion rooted in the depth of history and our joint commitment for a stable and secure future for our countries, our peoples and our region. In this regard, I am extremely pleased to attest that Cyprus and Israel have embarked in a new era of partnership”, he said.
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