The visit of Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou Markoullis to Israel was “an expression of the progress and the strengthening of relations between the two nations, as can be seen from the important visit of the Cypriot President several months ago and the forthcoming visit of President Peres in Cyprus,“ according to the website of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The press release featured on the website noted that Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman met on Wednesday in Jerusalem with Markoullis and said he was “glad to host her, especially as this is the second bilateral visit she has made, after visiting Greece, since becoming Minister of Foreign Affairs.“

“Liberman said that this is an expression of the progress and the strengthening of relations between the two nations, as can be seen from the important visit of the Cypriot President several months ago and the forthcoming visit of President Peres in Cyprus, as well as from the many meetings held between ministers of both countries over the last two and a half years,“ the press release notes.

It adds that Markoullis “expressed her great appreciation for Israel’s assistance after the explosion“ at the naval base near Limassol, and that Liberman “thanked Cyprus for its assistance in the battle to extinguish the Carmel fire.“

Both Ministers “welcomed the Exclusive Economic Zone agreement that was signed between the two countries, stating that this was a bilateral issue that must be implemented as soon as possible to enable the initiation of the gas production process for the benefit of both parties and that the agreement was signed in accordance with the rules and rights of international law,“ according to the press release.

It says “they also discussed the Middle East situation“ and that Liberman “stated that the Palestinian attempt to reach unilateral decisions without direct negotiations between the parties constitutes a dangerous precedent in the international arena, which will have implications in other places around the globe.“

He added that “he hopes that the international community will not support the unilateral Palestinian move, and will make it clear to them that the only way to achieve goals is through direct negotiations,“ it concludes.