Cyprus – Israel close to agreement on maritime protection

Cyprus is undertaking an initiative to promote regional cooperation for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Nicos Kouyialis said on Monday, adding that Nicosia is close to reaching an agreement with Israel on the matter.
Addressing a European Conference for the maritime environment in Brussels entitled "Healthy Oceans – Productive Ecosystems" , the Minister said that the agreement will be concrete and will be based on an action plan.

“We aspire to conclude similar agreements with all countries that border Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone and which are active in the field of hydrocarbons” Kouyialis added.
He said finally that Cyprus aspires to become a regional hub for cooperation in maritime protection matters, involving countries such as Greece, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria and Israel.