Nicosia:Egypt is regarded as a pivotal ally for Cyprus in the region, according to President Nikos Christodoulides. During a meeting with Egyptian House of Representatives Speaker Hisham Badawy at the Presidential Palace, President Christodoulides emphasized the strong bilateral relations and cooperation between the two nations.

According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides welcomed the Egyptian parliamentary delegation, highlighting the positive agenda that guides the relations between Cyprus and Egypt. He underscored the importance of countries respecting international law and maintaining good neighborly relations, stating that such countries can collaborate for the region's benefit.

The discussions included the strategic roles played by members of the Egyptian delegation, such as former Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El Molla, in enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation. The President also reiterated Cyprus's support for Egypt on the international stage, particularly during President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's tenure, and expressed satisfaction with the recent European Union-Egypt summit.

President Christodoulides praised Egypt as a model in migration management and announced that Cypriot natural gas would be exported to Europe through Egypt by early 2028. He affirmed Cyprus's role as Egypt's ambassador within the EU and expressed a commitment to strengthening cooperation based on international law.

Speaker Badawy conveyed warm greetings from President el-Sisi and expressed appreciation for Cyprus's efforts in enhancing EU-Middle Eastern cooperation. He noted the strategic partnership status of the bilateral relations and the importance of parliamentary cooperation. Badawy also highlighted the growth in trade and called for further activation of agreements in various sectors, including tourism and education.

Concluding his remarks, Badawy expressed gratitude for Cyprus's support and called for increased recruitment of Egyptian workers in Cyprus, wishing the country and its people ongoing progress and prosperity.