Bilateral ties between Cyprus and Egypt are now at an all-time high, said Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, following consultations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, Sameh Shoukry in Nicosia.
The meeting between the two Foreign Ministers on Tuesday, provided an excellent opportunity to hold an in depth discussion on the bilateral, trilateral and regional partnerships, “which are going from strength to strength, for the benefit of our peoples and also of our whole region,” he said. Christodoulides noted that they reviewed the entire spectrum of their cooperation, and exchanged views on the next steps that lie ahead in the efforts to build a secure, peaceful and more prosperous future for the generations to come.
He added that they also reviewed the progress achieved on the basis of what they had agreed during the meeting between Cyprus and Egypt that took place in Cairo last September, in the presence of the Presidents of the two countries. At the same time, he said, they followed up on a number of issues, implementing the road map that will lead them to a second meeting between the countries foreseen to take place in the autumn of next year.
He also said that they signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the cooperation between the recently established Cyprus Diplomatic Academy and the Institute of Diplomatic Studies of Egypt.
The two Ministers, also took stock of the recent Trilateral and Quadrilateral meetings in Athens, with Greece and with France.
“We noted with satisfaction the strategic nature that these formations have been assuming ? always on the foundation of a positive agenda ? as well as their added value to our shared endeavours and aspirations for the Eastern Mediterranean and the broader region. Acknowledging their vast potential, we further explored and discussed possible next steps along the path of their enhancement”, said Christodoulides.
He added that they also exchanged views on the Middle East Peace Process, on the situation in Libya ahead of the scheduled, upcoming elections, and on the latest developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“On my part, I highlighted our deep concern regarding Turkey’s increasingly revisionist and destabilizing foreign policy, as manifested in various hot points across the entire region”, he said.
Christodoulides assured his counterpart that Cyprus, as the closest EU Member State to the region, geographically, aspires to continue to act as the bridge with the EU, not only for Egypt but for the entire region, consistently making the case for the region’s importance from the perspective of Brussels.
“At the same time, we shall continue to advocate for the EU’s need to be present, engaged and active in this part of the world, which is after all the EU’s own neighbourhood, and one of great geostrategic importance”, he added.
The Cypriot Minister also briefed his counterpart on the latest developments in relation to the Cyprus problem, expressing disappointment for the intransigent stance of the Turkish government when it comes to international efforts led by the UN Secretary General to reach a solution through negotiations that will reunite the island on the basis of the agreed framework, as set out by the relevant UNSC resolutions, and in line with International and European Law.
At the same time, he reaffirmed the government’s readiness and commitment to continue to engage constructively towards the achievement of this goal.
“Egypt’s steadfast support in our efforts, in international and regional fora, is vitally important and greatly appreciated”, he said.
Christodoulides also said that Cyprus and Egypt have a shared understanding that geography is destiny that it cannot be changed.
“It is up to us, therefore, the countries of the region to turn our geography into blessing. You can be sure that we will never tire to work towards this goal, together with all like-minded countries in the region”, he concluded.
On his part the Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry referred to a very long history of relationship between the Cypriot and Egyptian people, which is consistent and well founded on the principles of mutual interest, cooperation and mutual respect.
Shoukry said that he had conveyed to the Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades the importance that the Egyptian President Sisi attaches to the Egyptian – Cypriot relationship and conveyed an invitation to him for participation in the forthcoming World Youth Forum in Sharm El-Sheikh.
He also said that the two Governments don’t miss an opportunity to interact and to see how to enhance bilateral relations and coordinate in order to create stability and security for the Eastern Mediterranean Region in association with their partners in the region and the European Union.
He added that they discussed with his Cypriot counterpart ways to find new areas of cooperation, on the potential of convening shortly a business council and exploring economic opportunities and taking full advantage of the natural resources of the two countries in the context of cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF).
“The cooperation in the field of energy is an important one, because of our need to fully utilise of our resources for the best interest of our people and we believe that EMGF is the appropriate venue that combines the nations of the region on the basis of cooperation, of mutual respect, of non – interference. And that should be the basis that must be reinforced in our region”, he said.
The Minister added that they discussed with his Cyprus counterpart, their cooperation in the international organisations, their political understanding on regional issues and the best possible implementation of the agreements they have signed.
On the Cyprus issue he said that it’s important to continue efforts to resolve the issue on the basis of the Security Council resolutions and on the basis of the negotiations. He also welcomed the flexibility and the accommodation that has been shown by the Government of Cyprus in this regard.
He added that challenges in the region should be faced through the adherence to international legitimacy and international law with respect to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the states of the region, non-expansionist policies and avoiding aggressive activities.
On the Palestinian-Israel issue he stressed the importance of a resolution on the basis of a two-state solution. He also noted the importance of elections in Libya and the need of eradication of terrorism in many countries of the region. He mentioned the cooperation with other Arab countries, as well as Cyprus and for the stability and security of the region.
He also said that Egypt in the last years has proved to be a responsible participant and a partner that someone can be depended on, that can fulfil expectations in areas such as the management of illegal immigration, the economy and infrastructure and in protecting basic human rights.
Soukri also praised the role that Cyprus plays in the relations between Egypt and the EU, by conveying their voice and the conditions the region faces.
“We highly value the relationship that exists between Egypt and Cyprus we looked to it as an example of what can be achieved through productive and faithful relationships and we look forward to continuing this long-standing, friendly, warm and productive relationship for many years to come”, he concluded.
Source: Cyprus News Agency