Cyprus Ministers hailed the close relations with Israel and expressed their gratitude for its support and assistance to put out fires in Limassol district.
On Wednesday a small event took place to thank the crews for their valuable assistance, at Andreas Papandreou air base in Paphos district.
Minister of Justice and Public Order, Anna Koukkides Procopiou said that the crews of the Israeli aircraft assisted in protecting the island, following a request by President Nikos Christodoulides to Prime Minister of the neighboring country. She said that it is important to always be grateful for the help we receive and to be ready to repay it whenever needed.
Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Petros Xenophontos also thanked the crews who responded to Cyprus’ request saying that their presence was very important. Xenophontos noted the strengthening of the bilateral relations.
Defense Minister Michalis Giorgallas said that the friendship between the two countries is solid. He thanked the crews of the aircraft for their presence and reassured them that they stand ready to help Israel if needed.
Israeli Ambassador Oren Anolik said that Cyprus and Israel have a good alliance and that they always support each other in times of need.
The Ambassador thanked the Republic of Cyprus for this very moving and emotional ceremony.
“It shows the very good relations that we have. We are always willing to come and willing to be of help when help is needed because this is part of the relations today between Cyprus and Israel”, he said.
Ambassador Anolik went on to say that in the same way Israeli crews came here “we know very well that Cyprus will come to aid us when we would need this assistance.”
“This is the way that good neighbors act together, this is the kind of alliance we have today”, he said.
The Ambassador thanked the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Defense and the national guard and all other agencies that were involved, pointing out that the cooperation was very good and the Israeli delegation was very warmly welcomed.
CNA/KP/KCH/AGK/2023
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
