Herzog in Cyprus: "I look forward to meeting with the President of Lebanon"

President Isaac Herzog landed in Cyprus and met with President Nikos Christodoulides. The two discussed deepening cooperation and regional stability. Herzog expressed hope for a future meeting with the President of Lebanon.

President Isaac Herzog landed this morning (Thursday), September 10, in Cyprus, opening his diplomatic visit to the country. Herzog was received at the Presidential Palace by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, and the two held a political meeting followed by an expanded bilateral meeting. During the meetings, the leaders discussed deepening cooperation and strengthening relations between Israel and Cyprus. Herzog said he looks forward to the day when the presidents of Israel, Cyprus, and Lebanon will meet in Cyprus. "My dream is that one day we can meet here – the President of Lebanon, the President of Cyprus, and the President of Israel," Herzog said. "I hope we can realize such a dream, because I believe we must move towards peace in the region, while ensuring that terrorism is rejected and kept away, and that we allow the peoples and countries of the region to thrive together, for the well-being of the region and the entire world." The Cypriot President said the conversation would address ways to deepen the strategic partnership between the countries, as well as regional developments and the possibility of working together with other countries that share similar views. Christodoulides noted that during the summer, a record number of flights arrived from Israel to Cyprus – more than 200 flights per week, compared to an average of about 140 flights per week in the past. At the conclusion of his visit to the Presidential Palace, Herzog is expected to depart for Israel.