Cyprus representative at the Post: ties with Israel are stronger and have potential.

The Ambassador of Cyprus to Israel, His Excellency Cornelios S. Corneliou, readily agreed to an interview for the magazine.

Cyprus became an independent state on August 16, 1960, and the next day began establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. For centuries, Cyprus has been a refuge for Jews fleeing persecution. In 1492, Jews arrived in Cyprus after being expelled from Spain. Then, after World War II, thousands of Holocaust survivors fled to Cyprus, where between 1946 and 1949, the British interned about 53,000 Jews in camps. Patriotic Cypriots, along with Aganakh, ensured their health and good nutrition. These generous Cypriots helped several inmates escape from the camps, preparing them for future resettlement in Israel. Today, a strong bond has developed between our two countries, encompassing tourism, economy, politics, and joint military exercises.

In the last 10 years, we have made tremendous progress in developing our bilateral relations.

Israel is an important country and strategic partner for Cyprus. At the same time, Cyprus is an important country for Israel, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean, as the war has shown. We now have a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our region, and cooperation in many areas has increased. For me, as the ambassador of Cyprus, the biggest challenge is further consolidating our ties. It is certainly a huge advantage to live in a place like Tel Aviv, with the ability to reach Cyprus in just 40 minutes by plane.

You arrived in Israel in July 2023 and presented your credentials to President Isaac Herzog on September 19, just 18 days before the mass killing on October 7.

The sound of sirens on the morning of October 7 reminded me of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. This was followed by rocket attacks, taking cover, explosions, and empty streets. For me, having spent 3 thrilling months in Israel, it was a shocking and terrifying experience, feeling so much fear and uncertainty, especially when I found myself in a car during a rocket attack. And yet, it seems that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. You move forward and learn to live in a new reality.

What is Cyprus's reaction to this war?

Cyprus unequivocally condemned the horrific events of October 7. President Nikos Christodoulides was one of the first leaders to visit Israel in October to express our support and solidarity, standing by Israel as friends do in difficult times. At the same time, due to our geographical proximity and excellent relations, Cyprus expressed its readiness to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, facilitating the transfer of humanitarian assistance from the port of Larnaca through the establishment of a maritime corridor.

As a member of your country's Diplomatic Service, you have held some important positions in Europe. What do you think is the European Union's position on the current situation between Israel and Hamas?

The European Union has condemned Hamas from the very beginning for its brutal and indifferent terrorist attacks and emphasized Israel's right to self-defense in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law. It also called on Hamas to immediately release all hostages without preconditions. At the same time, the European Union is deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and the loss of civilian lives. The lifelong suffering of civilians and the prevention of further loss of life in Gaza is an absolute priority, as is the necessity for Israelis to return to their homes and feel safe in their communities. It is also important to work towards a political perspective and regional stability when the appropriate conditions are created.

Cyprus has two distinct communities - Christian Greeks and Muslim Turkish Cypriots. To what extent does this pose challenges?

Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots lived together for centuries in mixed communities throughout the island. Different religions did not cause problems or conflicts between the two communities. On the contrary, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots respected each other and their faiths. The issue with religion became apparent as a result of the Turkish invasion in 1974, which led to the division of the island and the separation of the two communities. The religious element became noticeable due to the ongoing Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island and its intensified Islamization.

The so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the northern part of the island is recognized only by Turkey, and its territory is considered by the international community to be part of the Republic of Cyprus. Cyprus recognized the State of Palestine in 1988. Can we assert that there is a parallel between the recognition of this Turkish republic as an independent state?

The so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is an illegal entity; it is the result of the Turkish invasion and occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. Its unilateral declaration of independence in 1983 was condemned by the international community and deemed "legally invalid" by United Nations Security Council Resolution 541 (1983), which called for its immediate annulment. In the case of Palestine, there are numerous United Nations Security Council resolutions supporting a roadmap to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These are two completely different cases.

The strengthening of bilateral relations between Cyprus and Israel began in 1994.

Subsequently, several official visits took place, including the first visit of the President of Cyprus, Glafcos Clerides, to Israel in 2000, as well as the official visit of President Shimon Peres to Cyprus in 2011. Can you tell me about the recent official visits that have occurred in the last few years?

The frequency of official visits in both directions has been very high in recent years. President Herzog made an official visit to Cyprus in 2022, after which in 2023, President Christodoulides visited Israel twice, along with numerous visits from Cypriot ministers, including the foreign minister and the energy minister. In the same year, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an official visit to Cyprus, and Foreign Minister Eli Cohen visited Cyprus twice.

These visits are of great importance, and I am confident that they will continue in the future.

In 2010, Israel and Cyprus agreed to define their exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They also agreed to jointly develop all cross-border resources discovered at the border. In addition to Cyprus and Israel's participation in the Great Sea Interconnector project (formerly known as the Euro-Asia Interconnector) - the longest underwater electric cable - the relationship between the countries has strengthened. How advanced are these exciting projects?

Energy has always been a key element of our interaction and a significant factor in bringing the two countries closer together. At the same time, energy serves as the foundation for regional synergy, such as the Trilateral Cooperation Mechanism between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece, and the 3+1 Scheme with the United States.

Moreover, the establishment of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) is a testament to the immense potential that can be realized for the region when like-minded countries come together to achieve mutually beneficial goals.

Cooperation in the field of natural gas and hydrogen is currently being discussed by the Technical Committee, which includes experts from the ministries of energy of Cyprus and Israel, with the aim of assessing viable infrastructure and export options. We are committed to advancing and concluding these discussions.

The large marine interconnection, previously known as the Euro-Asian interconnection, is a project of geostrategic importance that will connect the electricity networks of Israel, Cyprus, and Greece.

The project has been recognized as a project of common interest by the European Union, as it is considered a key infrastructure project aimed at completing the European internal energy market, and therefore benefits from expedited permitting and financing procedures. Recently, the project was awarded EU grants amounting to 658 million euros to support its construction. This key project has attracted the interest of investors from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and other countries.

Similarly, with natural gas; Cyprus and Israel are engaged in a structured dialogue through a bilateral technical committee on electricity with the aim of advancing the maturity of the Cyprus-Israel part of the project by concluding regulatory and techno-economic discussions.

Israel currently ranks fifth among Cyprus's export partners. How do you see future trade agreements between the countries?

In total, bilateral trade in goods between Cyprus and Israel exceeded 1 billion US dollars in 2023. In recent years, Cyprus has become the third most important export destination for Israeli business services, following only the USA and the UK. According to 2021 data, Israel exported business services worth 1.657 billion dollars to Cyprus. The flow of trade and investment is developing with an upward trend, with significant potential for further expansion. We hope to see a wider range of Cypriot industrial and agricultural products in the Israeli market, as well as to promote increased activity in the services sector, especially in technology and innovation.

Cyprus and Israel can strengthen their economic relations by signing a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, which has been a key issue on our bilateral agenda for a long time. Such an agreement would promote cross-investments, foster additional trust among investors, and reduce uncertainty. We have intensified efforts to resume dialogue between the competent authorities and are confident that a concrete way forward will soon emerge. Additionally, at the operational level, we are actively facilitating cooperation between professional associations and business organizations.

We are currently in the process of developing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation between two organizations representing the business communities in our countries. The goal is to increase business delegations, expand trade turnover, and explore untapped areas of the economy in greater depth.

May 2023 marked the time of the last joint military exercises between Israel and Cyprus, which began in 2014. What is the main goal of these joint exercises?

Israel and Cyprus are "hostages of geography" in the Eastern Mediterranean - a volatile region with many challenges and opportunities. The security of the two countries is closely linked, leading to defense cooperation between Israel and Cyprus, including joint training and military exercises. It is worth noting that the largest number of Israeli soldiers deployed abroad in 2023 was during joint military exercises in Cyprus. Israel and Cyprus are looking to strengthen their military cooperation.

Cyprus and Israel are in close geographical proximity.

Despite the fact that Cyprus has always been a popular destination for Israelis, in recent years the number of Israelis choosing Cyprus as a place to live has increased. What attracts Israelis to Cyprus?

Israelis feel at home in Cyprus due to many similarities in culture, mentality, weather, and food. Additionally, the short distance between the two countries allowed for over 100 flights a week before the war began. This makes Cyprus an attractive and very good business destination—a place where Israelis want to invest.

In 2023, more than 400,000 Israelis visited Cyprus, including 35,000 cruise participants. Cyprus is also one of the favorite destinations for Israeli yacht owners. Israel is now the second largest tourism market for Cyprus (after the UK). Cypriot hospitality, along with beautiful nature, rich history and culture, as well as developed tourist facilities, make Cyprus a popular and safe tourist destination for Israelis; not to mention the warm relations between the two countries.

In light of this interview, I would like to mention the visits of Israelis to the occupied part of Cyprus and that some have even participated in illegal transactions. Aside from the fact that we cannot guarantee the safety of visitors, as the government of Cyprus does not exercise effective control in this area due to the occupation, there are also legal arguments—such as violations of the laws of the Republic of Cyprus and United Nations Security Council resolutions. Furthermore, there are moral and ethical considerations, as we are two friendly nations. We urge our Israeli friends to take this reality into account.

Due to the increase in the Jewish community in recent years, in addition to the synagogue in Larnaca, there are Chabad centers in all major cities offering educational programs for adults and children.

What is the size of the Jewish community in Cyprus, and is it welcoming the recent influx of Israelis who have chosen Cyprus as their home?

In recent years, the number of Israelis moving to Cyprus has significantly increased. We estimate that the population is around 12,000-13,000 people, some of whom hold dual citizenship. They make up the majority of the Jewish community. The war has brought a small number of Israelis to Cyprus, and many others are coming to the island to enjoy peaceful moments.

With the alarming rise of anti-Semitism worldwide, how has it affected the Jewish community in Cyprus?

Antisemitism poses a threat not only to Jewish communities; it is also a threat to open, diverse societies and democracy itself. In Cyprus, there have been virtually no protests against Israel since the beginning of the war, and unlike many countries, there is no need to provide special security measures for Jewish institutions.

Since the beginning of the war, Cyprus has played an important role in facilitating the transportation of Israelis from around the world back to Israel through Larnaca Airport. Flights from Ben Gurion Airport to Cyprus have never ceased. Currently, there are five to six flights daily, and many Israelis continue to travel to Cyprus, mainly to visit family and friends. Conversely, many Israelis looking to "take a break" from the war situation are traveling to Cyprus these days.

Cyprus became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1961, a year after gaining independence. How beneficial has this been for Cyprus?

The Commonwealth of Nations is an international association of 56 member states; Cyprus is a small country at the crossroads of three continents, facing many challenges. Therefore, multipolar diplomacy can become an important tool of foreign policy. The Commonwealth serves as a forum where Cyprus is present and has its voice.

As the ambassador of Cyprus in Israel, you have extensive experience in diplomacy and an understanding of the challenges facing one of the Jewish states. What do you hope to achieve during your time working in this country?

I arrived in Israel in July 2023 and immediately felt the warmth of the people every time I mentioned the word "Kaprisin" (Cyprus). It didn't take me long to realize the immense potential of our relationship, which goes beyond tourism and real estate. Our partnership is of a strategic nature and is characterized by close cooperation in many areas - from collaboration in emergency preparedness [and response] to defense and energy, from the economy to high technology and innovation.

We live in a region full of challenges and opportunities. Cyprus has proven to be a reliable partner for Israel. Our friendship serves as a solid foundation for realizing the potential of our strategic partnership, which is stronger today than ever before.

My desire is to contribute to the further consolidation of our ties, expand our cooperation, and achieve greater results. This is the biggest challenge for me as the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus in the State of Israel.

The author is the chairman of the Association of Israel, the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth.