WASHINGTON - Foreign Minister Erato Marcoullis has spoken of Cyprus’ “common sphere” with Israel as the island continues to strengthen its cooperation with its Mediterranean neighbour.
Speaking at the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Global Forum in Washington on Friday, the minister said, “The enormity of investment required to exploit this offshore treasure creates an impetus of its own toward greater cooperation.
“We share a common sphere, be it in terms of the synthesis called 'Mediterranean Culture,' dating back several millennia, or in the values of democracy and freedom, or even in the fact that we are both small countries, with few resources and facing many challenges.”
Cyprus and Israel are enjoying their best cooperation together since the discovery of a large underwater field of hydrocarbon deposits off Cypriot shores.
Last August, Marcoullis paid an official visit to Israel, three weeks after her appointment as Foreign Minister and her Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman paid recently a reciprocal visit to Cyprus. A
Meetings between officials from both countries have been frequent in the last couple of years and over 30 bilateral agreements have been signed.
“The relationship between Cyprus and Israel has drawn much media attention and became the subject of discussion at various political, economic and academic fora. Indeed, there has been a flurry of activity with an impressive exchange of high level visits, starting with the visits of President Christofias and President Peres last year and the visit of Prime Minister Netanyahu this year, the latter being the first ever visit of a Prime Minister of the State of Israel to Cyprus since the Independence of Cyprus in 1960.
“"Cyprus and Israel are examples of how success is not dependent upon territory. A small land can house big things. A state small in its territory can be a great country in spirit, and Cyprus and Israel are the finest examples."
Commenting on the threats made by Turkey over the off-shore drilling in the region around Cyprus, she added, "Turkey's behavior toward Cyprus has not gone unnoticed by our neighbors. While they recognise, as we do, the significance of Turkey, there is skepticism about Turkey's true intentions, and whether Turkey is a stabilising factor in the region."