Cyprus’s defence minister visited Israel to discuss regional security and bilateral cooperation ahead of the island’s upcoming European Union presidency.
Vasilis Palmas met his Israeli counterpart Israel Katz on 15 and 16 December to exchange views on the security situation in Cyprus, Israel and the wider Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, according to a ministry statement.
The two ministers examined ways to strengthen bilateral defence and security ties between their countries.
Palmas said the Cypriot government will use its forthcoming EU Council presidency to strengthen European unity and promote strategic stability and regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Cyprus will seek deeper cooperation with Israel during this period, encouraging dialogue in areas of mutual interest whilst promoting regional peace, stability and respect for international law, he said.
During his stay, Palmas visited the Civil-Military Coordination Center, which acts as a central coordination point between military, humanitarian, international and other organisations supporting the Gaza ceasefire implementation. He met the centre’s commander, Major General Patrick D. Frank.
Read more: