Cyprus, Israel seek to bolster energy, security cooperation, move Mideast peace talks forward

Israel's prime minister says his country is discussing "intensively" with Cyprus the best ways to extract and market gas found in waters between the east Mediterranean neighbors.

Benjamin Netanyahu said after talks with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades Tuesday that the two countries will examine "the many possibilies" available to best exploit the energy source.

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

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

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