Herzog expresses hope for historic Cyprus-Lebanon-Israel leadership summit
"During a working visit to Nicosia, Israeli President Isaac Herzog voiced a personal "dream" for a trilateral summit with the leaders of Cyprus and Lebanon to advance regional peace, while reinforcing a deepening strategic partnership with President Nikos Christodoulides across energy, defence, and a booming tourism sector that has surged to over 200 weekly flights between the two nations."
EU Directive 2019/790 Article 15 Attribution • Verified Energy Document
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed a strong desire for a trilateral meeting with the leaders of Cyprus and Lebanon, describing such a gathering as a personal "dream." This aspiration was voiced during his working visit to Nicosia for talks with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. The discussions between the two presidents encompassed a wide array of topics, including energy, defence, tourism, trade, and regional security developments.
President Herzog emphasized that the region must collectively strive for peace while actively rejecting and eliminating terrorism, highlighting the benefits this would bring to the wider world.
In his welcoming remarks at the Presidential Palace, President Christodoulides underscored his commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between Cyprus and Israel across all sectors. He noted a remarkable surge in tourism, with Cyprus recording over 200 weekly flights from Israel this summer, significantly up from the previous average of approximately 140.
The leaders also planned to exchange perspectives on current regional affairs and explore avenues for collaboration with other like-minded countries to foster conditions for stability, security, and cooperation. Christodoulides extended a warm welcome to Herzog, acknowledging the Israeli president's profound personal connection to the island, stating he was "not a stranger to us."
President Herzog reciprocated this warmth, expressing his deep affection for Cyprus. "I love your country and I grew up loving it from childhood, and it is always wonderful to visit," he remarked, noting the island's continuous development. He commended President Christodoulides as "a great friend," valuing Israel's dialogue with him and his "open and honest approach" to critical discussions. Herzog concluded by delivering "a message of friendship from Israel" and voiced hope for the continued reinforcement of their "unique partnership," which he deemed particularly important for both nations.
The visit's agenda included a private meeting between the two presidents, followed by a working lunch.