Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou-Markoullis has expressed satisfaction over the outcome of her meetings in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Perez and Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman.

During her meetings, Markoullis discussed issues of bilateral interest and the cooperation between Cyprus and Israel in various sectors, such as the sector of energy. She also referred to the latest developments in the Cyprus issue with emphasis on the Turkish threats as regards drilling in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

In statements to CNA, Markoullis said that during her meetings, issues that concern bilateral relations as well as the cooperation of the two countries on economy, culture, research and rescue, energy and renewable sources of energy, were discussed.

“There are a great number of agreements that have been signed between the two countries and many other agreements, which are under negotiation, in very important areas,” she pointed out.

In this direction, she also stressed that there have been a number of visits of Israeli officials and Ministers to Cyprus lately, noting that President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias visited Israel last March. “So, my visit to Israel falls in that framework of the continuation and the furthering of cooperation between the two countries in all those areas,” she said.

Markoullis also stated that during her meetings she briefed the Prime Minister, the President and the Foreign Minister on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue, giving emphasis to the recent Turkish threats as regards the exercising, on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus, of its sovereign rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone.

“I had the opportunity to explain to my interlocutors the situation after the Turkish threats and I can say that there is full understanding from the Israeli side as regards Cyprus’ positions,” she added.

Markoullis also announced that the President of Israel will be visiting Cyprus in autumn.

“I am fully satisfied with my visit to Israel,” she concluded.

US company Noble Energy received on October 2008 a concession from the government of the Republic of Cyprus to explore for hydrocarbons in Block 12, located in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, which borders reserve-rich Leviathan in Israel’s EEZ.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

Peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunify the country, under a federal roof.