Both Israelis and Palestinians found common ground at a reception marking the 64th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus. The occasion also marked the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and its continued occupation of territory belonging to Cyprus. Israel and Cyprus established diplomatic relations in 1960, and while relations between the two countries go back to the years before either was independent, Cyprus enjoys close friendship and excellent relations with the Palestinians. Relations between Cyprus and Israel are constantly improving, particularly in the fields of energy and security.