Manila:Cyprus and the Philippines have signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on seafarers' certification, sports cooperation, and the evacuation of Filipino nationals from crisis areas through Cyprus.

According to Cyprus News Agency, these MoUs were signed during the visit of Cypriot Foreign Minister Kombos to the Philippines. The first MoU addresses the mutual recognition of seafarers' certificates, facilitating employment on each other's flagged vessels. The second MoU focuses on sports cooperation, covering national teams, anti-doping initiatives, and sports infrastructure development. The third MoU aims to facilitate the evacuation of Filipinos from crisis regions, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa.

Kombos, following his meeting with Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro, highlighted that he was the first Cypriot Foreign Minister to visit the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of the bilateral relationship. He noted the MoUs strengthen their cooperation framework, with another agreement having been signed recently in New York.

He acknowledged the significant contribution of Filipinos living in Cyprus to its economy and society and highlighted that over 15,000 Filipino seafarers worked on Cyprus-flagged vessels last year. He also noted the presence of Cyprus-based shipping companies and seafarer training centers in the Philippines.

Kombos welcomed the involvement of Cypriot technology companies in the Philippines, particularly in AI and fintech sectors, as a basis for deeper cooperation. He stressed the importance of maritime cooperation, adherence to international law, and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, along with the well-being of seafarers. Cyprus recently endorsed the Manila Declaration on Seafarers' Rights.

The discussions also included EU-ASEAN and EU-Philippines relations. Kombos congratulated the Philippines on its upcoming ASEAN Chairpersonship and the progress on the EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement, which he described as a historical achievement.

He briefed Lazaro on the Cyprus Question and thanked the Philippines for supporting Cyprus' sovereignty and territorial integrity. Kombos expressed hope for continued dialogue and results, and his desire to host Lazaro in Cyprus soon.

During his visit, Kombos also toured the Nautilus Training Centre in Manila, which has trained over 195,000 Filipino seafarers, and laid a wreath at the José Rizal memorial.