Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi has asked Cyprus to serve as a ‘’moderating voice’’ in Israel’s discourse with European countries, in a meeting this week with his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides who came to Israel on a short visit.

The two Foreign Minister discussed bilateral and regional issues that are of mutual interest to the two countries, said an Israeli foreign ministry statement .

Ashkenazi confirmed ‘’Israel’s commitment to promoting a responsible political process in coordination with the various elements in the region while maintaining Israel’s strategic and security interests based on U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan.’’

Ashkenazi and Christodoulides also discussed opening the skies for aviation in the near future and renewing tourism between the countries.

They also discussed cooperation in the field of energy in the eastern Mediterranean and the trilateral cooperation between Israel, Cyprus and Greece.

“Israel and Cyprus share many common interests in the strategic, political, economic and security spheres. Every visit strengthens this important relationship and partnership in the eastern Mediterranean,’’ said Ashkenazi.