“It is an honor and genuine privilege, President Anastasiades, to submit to you my credentials, following my Government’s decision to appoint me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to the Republic of Cyprus.

I am following a long chain of Israeli Ambassadors accredited to the Republic of Cyprus, with a firm will and determination to follow the extraordinary work performed by them as well as by the Ambassadors of Cyprus to Israel. It is my hope that together we will be able to write a new chapter in the book of our relations.

Mr President,

This year, the State of Israel will celebrate 70 years of independence. For thousands of Jews, Cyprus is the last station for the crossing to the land of Israel, just before the establishment of our state. Those people survived the atrocities of the Holocaust and found themselves in British internment camps in Cyprus, between 1946-1949. We hold a special place in our hearts for the Cypriots who, loyal to their high moral principles, showed feelings of humanity and stood by those refugees. The relationship between Israel and Cyprus is based, first and foremost, on a true people to people relation. The geographical proximity is coupled by the connection between the citizens of both countries and close cultural ties.

Israel and Cyprus share and respect the moral values of democracy, tolerance, freedom and justice. The deep cooperation between our countries is fundamental for the safeguarding of these values and the welfare of our citizens. 

The upheavals in countries in the Middle East have brought about growing regional and broader instability, as well as threats of terrorism and extremism. Israel and Cyprus, together with other countries in the region, which share a similar vision for the future, can provide a meaningful framework for the advancement of stability, security and prosperity.

During the last years the bilateral relations and strategic cooperation between our countries have reached an unprecedented status. The high level of our close cooperation is particularly evident in the coordination between our countries, during emergency situations. In times of need, we stand side by side to face disasters. I, personally, was deeply moved in 2016, when I saw the Cypriot Fire fighters’ team operating together, hand in hand, with their Israeli counterparts fighting the fires in Israeli cities; and I'm sure the Cypriot people remember the Israeli fire aircrafts flying in the same formation with the Cypriot ones, joining efforts in extinguishing the fires on the Troodos Mountains.

In the economic field, our two countries enjoy dynamic commercial and business relations, with great potential for further future development. The significant natural gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean offer much potential for cooperation. Great opportunities lie ahead in the Tourism sector, which has already shown substantial growth in the last years. Technology and innovation offer another platform for partnership.

As a diplomat, who worked on promoting relations with Arab countries and for the last two decades on Israeli - European relations, it is my sincere belief that the enhancement of our bilateral relations will be beneficial beyond our borders and can contribute to a better neighborhood.

Both Israel and Cyprus share the vision of a lasting peace that will be enjoyed by all future generations. Both our people hope for a true Peace. Israel is committed to the pursuit of peace, based on a genuine recognition of the national homeland of the Jewish people and a solid security. We hope that Cyprus will achieve a just and viable solution for the benefit of its people and of the region.

President Anastasiades, I would like to thank you and express Israel’s sincere appreciation for your contribution to the building of the strong relations between our two countries. As Ambassador of Israel to the Republic of Cyprus, solidifying our partnership and achieving a new level of a long lasting friendship between our nations and countries will be my highest priority.”