Israel, Cyprus seek to bolster energy, security cooperation

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel was discussing "intensively" with Cyprus the best ways to extract and market gas found under the waters between the east Mediterranean neighbors.

Netanyahu visited Cyprus on Tuesday. After talks with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, Netanyahu said the two countries would examine "the many possibilities" available to best utilize the gas.

Anastasiades said one such option is to pump the gas to regional markets through a pipeline. He said the possibility of connecting Israel, Cyprus and Greece with an electricity cable was also discussed.

The Cypriot president said he and Netanyahu also looked at "practical ways" of bolstering security and countering terrorism.

Netanyahu welcomed Anastasiades' initiative to invite him and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to address a future summit of European Union leaders.