Israeli PM embarks on a landmark visit to CyprusFebruary 16, 2012 - 13:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu embarked Thursday, Feb 16, on a historic visit to Cyprus, reflecting rapidly shifting alliances in this turbulent part of the world, The Associated Press reported. The visit - the first ever by an Israeli leader to the nearby island nation - is also a testimony to warming ties that have emerged from political and economic turmoil, as well as new economic prospects. It follows a succession of reciprocal visits by senior officials from both countries and several low-level agreements. Netanyahu's office said the one-day visit "was designed to strengthen the improving ties between the two nations." The two sides will discuss cooperation in energy matters, agriculture, health and maritime research, and sign a disaster relief and a search and rescue agreement, it said. Cyprus government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou told AP the visit "illustrates the great dynamic driving forward the improvement in relations between the two countries." Although Cyprus is only a 50-minute flight away from Tel Aviv, ties between the two have long been chilly. Nicosia backed the Palestinians in their quest for an independent state and looked on warily as Israel built military and trade relations with regional powerhouse Turkey, which doesn't recognize Cyprus as a sovereign state and has occupied its north since 1974. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Putin congratulates Pashinyan’s birthday Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his birthday on June 1. Opposition motorcade en route to Gyumri for large rally A motorcade of protesters headed by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan is heading to the city of Gyumri. Ruling MPs, Foreign Minister talk Armenia-Azerbaijan processes MOs from the ruling Civil Contract party met with the Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in the Armenian parliament. Russia: Armenia’s frozen membership weakens CSTO position in Caucasus A Russian envoy said any step that could alienate the CSTO member states from each other is “deeply wrong”. |