The upgrading of our cooperation, based on our common value of democracy, is especially important for the promotion of peace, stability, security and prosperity in the region.  The leaders agreed to support energy independence and security, as well as to defend against external malign influences in the Eastern Mediterranean and the broader Middle East. Furthermore, they welcomed the recent natural gas finds in the Eastern Mediterranean and its potential to contribute to energy security and diversification.

As regards energy cooperation, we are at a turning point. The significant quantities of natural gas found in the exclusive economic zones of Israel and Cyprus, as well as the potential for further finds, create an important opportunity. An opportunity on the bilateral level, regional level and with countries such as Egypt and Jordan. We share the ambition to export natural gas to Europe.

The growing synergies between Israel and Cyprus will be further enhanced in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship. Our aspiration is that our close partnership will evolve into an intensive collaboration on scientific and technological projects. Building this link between our two countries can significantly contribute to the advancement of our scientific institutes, to the growth of our economies and to the development of new ideas, which will transform the lives of people.

To achieve this goal, an action plan, between the Israel Innovation Authority and the Chief Scientist Office of Cyprus, was agreed in January 2019. Moreover, trilateral training programs on startups and social entrepreneurship have been initiated and implemented. Almost 40 Cypriots already participated in these seminars in Israel and we look forward to continue developing learning opportunities for both young Israelis and Cypriots.  This will greatly contribute to create synergies in Research and Development, which will bring Cyprus closer to the Israeli High-tech Ecosystem.

There are many challenges, such as in the fields of health, water, environment protection, security and more. In this context, working together is our biggest opportunity. As two close neighbors, Israel and Cyprus have a clear interest to encourage cross border cooperation.

All these are already creating a new reality in the Eastern Mediterranean. For these opportunities to be fully materialized in the future, the right foundations need to be built today. As the ancient Greek Philosopher Isocrates said: «Ευ σοι το μέλλον έξει, αν το παρόν ευ τιθής» - “The future will be good, if you build well the present”.

The saying of Isocrates is especially true regarding the regional challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, that need to be addressed. In particular, the growing threats of extremism and terrorism. We must join forces, together with other like-minded countries to face these common challenges.

Our two neighboring countries, connected by the Mediterranean Sea, are natural partners. A partnership based on history – which sealed an “alliance of the hearts” between Israelis and Cypriots.

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 home 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.

Looking towards 2020, we will continue our efforts to bring Israel and Cyprus even closer together. We will move forward with Energy and Innovation to further enhance our relations. Together we can turn the challenges into new opportunities that will inspire the future generation.

Sammy Revel, Ambassador of Israel