November 5, 2011 -- Nicosia -- An AJC delegation expressed support for accelerated efforts to resolve the 37-year-old Cyprus conflict and for enhanced Cypriot-Israeli economic, political and strategic cooperation.

The AJC visit to the island nation included meetings with senior foreign ministry officials and an expert from the government ministry responsible for merchant shipping issues, as well as with key foreign diplomats.

“Intensified ties between Cyprus and Israel – including, but by no means limited to, the joint exploration and exploitation of undersea natural gas reserves – serve the interests of both nations, and advance regional prosperity and stability,” said Jason Isaacson, AJC director of government and international affairs. “Development of the two countries' shared natural gas deposits will advance the cause of energy security.”

The AJC visit to Cyprus, by a delegation of Chicago-based AJC activists led by Isaacson and national board member Martin Gradman, followed by one day a state visit by Israeli President Shimon Peres. It was the global advocacy organization's second mission to Cyprus in four months, a period that also included an AJC reception in New York for Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias during the UN General Assembly session opening in September.

"Recent tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean highlight the need to intensify efforts to resolve the Cyprus conflict," said Isaacson. "Further, they are a reminder of the strategic centrality of Cyprus, an important EU member and democratic partner of the United States and Israel."