Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has held meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed, the Cypriot presidency says, discussing with each how to reinforce regional security.

According to Reuters, a Cypriot government source said Christodoulides met separately with the two officials. It was not immediately clear if there was also a joint meeting. Bin Zayed’s visit to the island was not previously announced.

Media were not permitted access to the presidential palace, where the meeting took place.

Bin Zayed and his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar met on January 7, where the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and regional and international efforts to reach a lasting ceasefire were discussed. Cyprus established a maritime corridor sending direct humanitarian aid into Gaza in early 2024.

Bin Zayed and Christodoulides discussed regional issues, and specifically the situation in Syria and the possible impact it could have in the region. They also discussed “the potential of cooperation between the two countries in maintaining and reinforcing security and stability”, a statement from Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said.