A possible deal between Israel and Turkey had been forthcoming according to experts and political pundits, who argue it would be in the two countries’ best interest to warm up their relations and promote peace and cooperation in the region.

But Cyprus also has a crucial energy role to play in the region, according to the spokesman, who explained that Anastasiades expressed his hope to Netanyahu that a federal solution on the island would lift any obstacles ahead of an energy deal between Turkey and other countries in the region.

Government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides said in a written statement on Tuesday, following a phone conversation between Anastasiades and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that the two leaders reaffirmed the close cooperation of their two countries.

Christodoulides also said the deal between Turkey and Israel will not affect the bilateral relations between the Republic of Cyprus and Israel.

“The agreement does not affect and will not affect, in any way whatsoever, the close, brotherly, and of strategic importance relations between the Republic of Cyprus and Israel,” Christodoulides said.

Source: InCyprus