How do you evaluate the visit of FM Christodoulides in Israel? It was a very good visit. The FM had an open discussion with the Prime Minister which symbolizes the close relations and a warm meeting with the President of Israel. The fact that the first visit in the region by the Cypriot FM was to Israel signifies the status of the close relations between our two countries. During the visit was discussed the further upgrading of the economic relations in various fields such as energy as well as the people-to-people relations. The strengthening of the friendship and bonds, at all levels, between Cyprus and Israel is the core of our cooperation. Regional challenges were also discussed during the meetings including the upcoming trilateral Summit between the Heads of States of Cyprus, Israel and Greece.
What are your impressions of Cyprus during the time you are here? My impressions are very good. I'm glad to be here. Relations between Israel and Cyprus have already reached a high level with very close cooperation. I'm working hard, because I believe in it, in order to raise these relations to an even higher level. Our goal is to create those conditions which will be so stable and move beyond a certain period of time. This cooperation is based on the fact that we are two democratic countries in the region, facing many similar challenges. Challenges on security but also on economic interests. Above all, however, there is - and I feel it - a real friendship here with Israel, and I know that there is a real friendship in Israel with Cyprus. This makes me optimistic that we can take our cooperation even higher.
However things were not always like this. What do you think were the reasons for this change in the relations between the two countries? Today, much more than in the past, we have common interests. It is of course the issue of the natural gas, with the Mediterranean offering a great opportunity for both Cyprus and Israel. Especially if we work together. We can have also cooperation in other areas such as in the fields of tourism, trade, etc. Also – and this is my intention during my presence here in the coming years - together with Cyprus we can create an ecosystem for innovation and startups. We already have an innovative state in Israel, but we want together with Cyprus to create a framework in this direction. The other thing I would like to highlight is the many common strategic challenges we have in the region. If we look at the changes in the Middle East that brought great instability to the region and led to the rise of extremist forces, I believe that two democratic countries such as Israel and Cyprus, if they work together with other countries with the same perceptions, can create greater stability and a better future for the region.
There are some pending issues regarding natural gas. How much can they affect the wider climate in the two countries' relations? We have – including me personally - a very productive and sincere dialogue with the Government of Cyprus. I believe it is the only way to move forward. I am convinced that through this intense, good and positive dialogue we will be able to come to an agreement for the good of the region. Of course, and I have said it very clearly, Israel recognizes the right of Cyprus to develop natural gas within its EEZ. We had reached an agreement to demarcate our zone. Now we are talking about joint development and we should move in that direction. We should note that an important framework has been created recently. There was a meeting in Brussels between the Energy Ministers of Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, the EU and some other European countries. I believe that together with Egypt and some other Middle Eastern countries we can create a substantive framework for the development of energy sources in the Eastern Mediterranean. But which can go further, how do we cooperate in this region. Because economic growth will benefit Cypriots, Israelis but also the entire region.
Can the countries of the region work together? I believe that yes…
However, looking at the past, the history of the region, it seems very difficult. How much can this change due to natural gas help in this direction? First of all, gas is a great opportunity. But it is not the only factor that will determine how decisive we are in working together. I have referred to regional challenges, but we cannot ignore the fact that we are living in a region that has been constantly changing in recent years. We've seen very big changes. To the question of whether we can work together, the answer is that we need/must work together. There is no other choice if we look at the situation in some countries like Syria and Lebanon. Especially when we see the Iranian regime and what it seeks/wants for the region, the efforts to develop a nuclear program, to demand regional hegemony, the support of terrorist organizations. There is no other choice for countries like Israel, Egypt, Jordan, other Arab countries along with Cyprus and European countries, than to work together for a future of stability, prospect and development. That is what we want to accomplish.
-What is the situation with the talks between Israel and the Palestinians? Israel has clearly said it wants to go back to the negotiating table. Unfortunately, the head of the Palestinian Authority is not ready. I am happy that the US President has decided to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. It is also very important that he decided to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. It is, therefore, important that the Palestinians recognize the realities on the ground. And the reality is that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. If they recognize the right of the Jewish people to decide what their capital will be, if security conditions are created, then I'm sure we can proceed to talks.
Much has been said about the EastMed pipeline. Will we see it materialized or will it be left on paper? We are fortunate to find and potentially will find large quantities of gas in the region. I believe that the only way for it to benefit the people of Israel, Cyprus and other countries in the region is cooperation. We are in a dialogue for cooperation with Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Italy. I believe that the pipeline is a big possibility and the discussion that has begun in Brussels creates an important framework. There are also other factors to take into account such as technical issues, geological, international prices that may affect it. If we work together, we will find the best solution not only for extraction but also for export of natural gas. Europe is one of the key regions in which we want to export natural gas. We do not want it to go only to the Middle East but also to Europe.