Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger
Photo: Guy Assayag
Chief rabbi, Cyprus church seek close ties
Rabbi Yona Metzger, Archbishop Chrysostomos II sign joint declaration aimed at forging closer bonds between countries' citizens
The leader of Cyprus' Orthodox Christian church and Israel's
chief rabbi have signed a joint declaration aimed at forging closer bonds between the two countries' citizens.
Archbishop Chrysostomos II and Rabbi Yona Metzger signed the declaration in the Cypriot capital Tuesday.
Chrysostomos said the initiative was aimed at ending any "hostility or suspicion" that had "poisoned" Cypriot-Israeli relations in the past.
Metzger said Cyprus and Israel were partners and shared a similar history. He said the declaration could help improve cooperation.
The declaration comes amid blossoming ties between the east Mediterranean neighbors. The two countries are in talks to cooperate on exploiting offshore natural gas deposits.
