The Cyprus problem, bilateral ties, regional matters, EU – Israeli relations and the tripartite cooperation between Cyprus, Greece and Israel are on the agenda of today`s visit to Cyprus by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu, who arrived shortly after 1030 hrs local time (07.30 GMT), was met at Larnaca Airport by Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and Israeli Ambassador in Nicosia Michael Harari.
The ongoing Cyprus talks which aim to reunify the island, divided in 1974 after Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third, as well as developments within Turkey will be discussed, reliable sources have said about the discussions between Israel and Cyprus.
Talks on bilateral relations are expected to focus on cooperation in the areas of energy, defence, economy and tourism.
Syria and Iran will be the main issues of regional interest to be discussed between Netanyahu and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades.
Relations between the EU and Israel will also be part of the discussions, including in particular the initiative undertaken by President Anastasiades as regards the Middle East issue.
In the context of this initiative, according to the same sources, European Council President Donald Tusk will visit Cyprus on September 8 and then continue with a visit to the Middle East. Tusk is set to visit Israel on September 9 and Palestine on September 10. It is also likely that he will visit Egypt.
The top European official may be accompanied by President Anastasiades during his Middle East tour.
The tripartite cooperation between Cyprus, Greece and Israel is also expected to be discussed today, with new developments expected to take place in September.
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is expected to visit Israel in the first ten days of September in order to finalise a tripartite meeting.
CNA/THK/FZ/EPH/MM/2015
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY