The leader of the Orthodox church of Cyprus and the Chief Rabbi of Israel have signed a declaration which aims to forge closer bonds between their countries.

Rabbi Yonah Metzger and Archbishop Chrysostomos II signed the declaration in the Cypriot capital, Nicosia, on Monday. The Archbishop said that they intended the declaration to end any “hostility or suspicion” that had poisoned relations between the two countries in the past.

Rabbi Metzger said that Cyprus and Israel share a common history and that the declaration will improve co-operation.

This is the latest in a string of new links between the neighbouring countries, who are at present discussing the possibility of exploiting offshore natural gas deposits.

msn.com