​​Presenting her credentials, Ambassador Ravia-Zadok said:
“I am honored and privileged to stand here today, submitting my credentials to you, President Anastasiades, following my Government’s decision to appoint me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to the Republic of Cyprus. In times when our relationship enjoys a closer than ever strategic cooperation, high-level political dialogue, economic cooperation inter alia, I am looking forward to working with your Government to take this alliance to new heights.
As a second generation Israeli, born to the founders of my homeland, I am honored and privileged to serve as Israel’s Ambassador in a country that played a significant role in our history. Cyprus is indeed a significant friend. The unbreakable bonds of friendship that historically and traditionally unite our two nations go a long way back in time.
The people of Cyprus have gained a special place in the hearts of the people of Israel, following the important role they played in the establishment of the State of Israel. The end of World War II saw the arrival of thousands of Jews, who had fled from the horrors of the Holocaust, but whose journey towards Israel had been halted, as they ended up in British internment camps in Cyprus. The monuments built both in the Xylotymbou Peace Park and in Limassol are a token of our appreciation to the Cypriots, who, moved by the plight of these refugees and loyal to their high moral principles, showed their true feelings of humanity towards these people, who had found themselves behind barbed wires.
I am here today following a long chain of Israeli Ambassadors accredited to the Republic of Cyprus, with a firm will and determination to continue the extraordinary work done by my predecessors, to write an additional chapter in the book of our relations. I will do my utmost to upgrade the bilateral relations in every manner possible, strengthening the already existing bridges, paving new roads for increased cooperation in areas such as energy, tourism, culture, education, economic relations and business, agriculture, water and hi-tech, defense, and security. I believe that joint cooperation can benefit both countries, economically and strategically. Increasing the volume of bilateral trade and mutual investments can contribute to both economies, thus supporting the Cypriot impressive implementation of its responsible economic policy by the Government and the people of Cyprus. Building networks of cooperation between our peoples will provide the assurances for a lasting alliance between Israel and Cyprus.
Cyprus’ unique location in the basin of the East Mediterranean, as well as its respected political leadership, may serve as a fertile ground to establishing a network of regional cooperation, in which Israel and Cyprus may play a leading role. Under the Cypriot leadership, we can create an enhanced regional cooperation on security, energy security, tourism and economic development, serving as an accelerator for stability in our region. Challenges of terror and Islamic extremism make this regional cooperation more relevant than ever before.
Both Israel and Cyprus share a vision of a lasting peace that will be freely enjoyed by all future generations to come. Both our people have never lost the hope to achieve peace. Israel hopes that the negotiations, now being conducted in Cyprus, will reach a just and viable solution, in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the High Level Agreements and the 2014 Joint Declaration of the two leaders, for the benefit of the people of Cyprus and the region.

President Anastasiades,
Israel is Cyprus’ firm ally. The bonds between the leadership of our countries, followed and inspired by the great affection between our peoples, will continue to flourish. As a servant of both my Government and people, I am humbly committed to making every effort in my capacity, hand in hand with your Government, to cultivate and contribute to this legendary friendship”.
Replying, the President of the Republic said: “It is with distinct pleasure and with feelings of genuine friendship that I receive the Letters of Credence, appointing you as the new Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Republic of Cyprus and to also accept the Letters of Recall of your predecessor. Be assured, Excellency, that my Government will provide you with every assistance in the performance of your high duties.
Since Biblical times, Cyprus and Israel have interacted with each other and have been reaping the rewards of this enduring friendship. During my visit to Israel last June, I had a firsthand experience of the gratitude Israelis feel for the assistance rendered by Cypriots to the Jewish refugees, who were interned in British camps in the aftermath of the Second World War. Many things have changed since those dark days, but our friendship has continued to develop and blossom.
Your arrival to Cyprus coincides with the highest point in our bilateral relations. Our two countries enjoy extensive cooperation in a series of fields from energy and strategy to tourism and culture. Moreover, high-level political consultations are held frequently. My visit to Israel and the follow-up visit of Prime Minister Netanyahu here in Nicosia, later in July, reflect the special bond between our two countries. There are, of course, numerous other exchanges at different levels across the board and our officials consult frequently on a variety of issues.
Our common values and similar outlook underline our commitment to offer each other help and support, especially at a time when the neighbourhood we share faces multiple threats. Since 2011, our region has undergone tremendous change, characterized by volatility, instability and unpredictability. In this context, the strategic cooperation between Cyprus and Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean acquires special significance. At a time when the Middle East is under threat from the forces of terrorism, extremism, and religious intolerance, Cyprus and Israel stand together as pillars of stability and cooperation.
Excellency, Cyprus is going through a pivotal point in its history. The discovery of vast reserves of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean has the potential to transform our region, unleashing economic development and prosperity, and promoting peace and stability.
Cyprus stands ready to fully cooperate with its neighbors to promote these goals. I am pleased to observe that our bilateral relations on this issue are well advanced and on the right track. In this sense, we are engaged in further promoting energy cooperation between our two countries in good faith and based on the principles of sovereignty, international law and friendly relations, being mindful of the fact that the legitimate rights of all parties should be respected.
Your Excellency, The resumption of negotiations, on 15 May 2015, after the cessation of Turkey’s violations in Cyprus’ EEZ, have created new hopes that conditions will soon prevail, which may enable substantive progress in the efforts for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. The rise of Mr Mustafa Akıncı to the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community at the end of last April was also a positive development. To-date, the negotiations have proceeded smoothly, but there are still critical issues to be discussed and negotiated.
On my behalf, I would like to reiterate my sincere willingness and determination to work tirelessly to achieve a settlement based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, as set out in the relevant Security Council Resolutions, the High Level Agreements and the Joint Declaration of February 2014, with a single international legal personality, a single sovereignty and a single citizenship, safeguarding the principles, upon which the European Union is founded and ensuring the peaceful co-existence and prosperity of all Cypriots.
We also reiterate our strong belief in the adoption of confidence building measures, including our proposal on Varosha, aiming at building trust, and good will between the two communities, thereby providing a much needed stimulus to the prospect of reaching a settlement.
I sincerely hope that Turkey, which still occupies the northern part of Cyprus, will demonstrate genuine political will and grasp the opportunity offered by the current positive climate in Cyprus to abandon its intransigent stance and contribute in a positive way to the process.
Excellency, In welcoming you to Cyprus, I wish you every success in the performance of your duties. I would be grateful if you convey to the Government and the people of the State of Israel our warmest greetings for peace and prosperity”.
Present at the ceremony were the Minister of Defence, Mr Christoforos Fokaides, the Head of Presidency at the Presidential Palace, Mr Kypros Kyprianou, and the Chief of Protocol, Mr Marios Kountourides.