Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabi Ashkenazi at the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Israel, Cyprus, Greece, and the UAE: “Iran and Hezbollah undermine the stability of the Middle East and the possibility of achieving regional peace. Iran’s influence, through its proxies, brings with it destruction and instability to Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. Iran is working towards acquiring nuclear weapons and continues to develop long-range missiles that will pose a critical threat to Israel and its neighbors. Israel is determined to defend itself against any attempt to harm its sovereignty or citizens, and will do whatever it takes to prevent this radical and antisemitic regime from acquiring nuclear weapons”.

Today (Friday, 16 April 2021) the regional-strategic Foreign Ministers’ forum opened for the first time, with the participation of FM Gabi Ashkenazi and the Foreign Ministers of Cyprus, Greece, and the UAE in Paphos, Cyprus. 

At the meeting, taking place at the invitation of the Foreign Minister of Cyprus, the Foreign Ministers will discuss the opportunities for promoting regional projects in the fields of energy, tourism, and the fight against coronavirus, as well as the possibility of opening ‘green corridors’ between the countries and managing emergencies. 

The Foreign Ministers will also discuss regional issues and the countries’ shared interests in the face of challenges to regional stability. 

FM Ashkenazi: “Today’s meeting is the first tangible step towards expanding the positive impact of the Abraham Accords to our partners in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Greece. In the earliest stages of the Abraham Accords, we already spoke of the prosperity and stability that would spread throughout the entire Middle East as a result, and today we are expanding the circle of prosperity and stability towards the Eastern Mediterranean. Today, we are embarking on a new path of regional cooperation with the aim of turning our vision of cooperation into a reality that will improve the lives of our citizens”.