Manama: Cyprus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, seized the opportunity to engage with officials from several countries on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Manama Dialogue, held in Bahrain. On Sunday morning, Kombos took the stage as one of the main speakers in a panel titled “Maritime Security as a Regional and Global Responsibility.”
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kombos held pivotal meetings with prominent figures, including EU Special Representative for Sahel, Joao Cravinho, and EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber. The discussions centered around the EU’s engagement in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, along with issues related to Cyprus’ forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU.
On Saturday, Kombos met for the first time with his UK counterpart, Yvette Cooper, describing their meeting as “productive and timely.” The discussions focused on fortifying bilateral relations and cooperation, particularly through advancing the Cyprus-UK Strategic Dialogue, while also addressing key regional and global issues.
Kombos also engaged with USA Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, who chairs the National Energy Dominance Council. Their dialogue revolved around enhancing the Cyprus-US strategic partnership, energy cooperation, and ensuring security in the Eastern Mediterranean to promote regional stability and prosperity.
Further meetings included a discussion with Palestine’s Foreign Minister, Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, focusing on peace prospects in Gaza, regional developments, EU-Palestine relations, and bilateral cooperation. Kombos assured continued support for the Palestinian Authority’s reform pathway during Cyprus’ upcoming EU Presidency.
In a separate engagement, Kombos met Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, where they reaffirmed bilateral ties and strategic partnership, discussed regional developments, and exchanged views ahead of Cyprus’ EU Presidency and Bahrain’s GCC Chairmanship.
Additionally, Kombos conferred with Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anis Matta, discussing prospects for deepening bilateral relations, including enhanced political dialogue and cooperation, the upcoming EU Council Presidency, and the EU-Indonesia partnership.