Manama: President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, who is on an official visit to Manama, highlighted the significant importance of bolstering ties between the EU and Gulf countries, alongside enhancing bilateral relations between Cyprus and Bahrain. This visit marks his first bilateral engagement abroad since assuming the Presidency of the EU Council.
According to Cyprus News Agency, during a meeting with King Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa at the Royal Palace, President Christodoulides described the visit as both symbolic and substantial. He emphasized the mutual determination to strengthen the Cyprus-Bahrain relationship across political, strategic, and economic levels.
The President expressed contentment with the expanding bilateral cooperation, which now includes areas such as defence, security, trade, investment, culture, education, youth, maritime affairs, and tourism. He noted that the visit comes at a significant time, coinciding with Cyprus's presidency of the EU Council and Bahrain's presidency of the GCC Council, allowing for enhanced cooperation on regional and international fronts.
King Hamad welcomed President Christodoulides, acknowledging the longstanding relations between the two nations based on mutual understanding and respect. He highlighted the progress achieved in multiple fields and expressed anticipation for the opening of Cyprus's embassy and the Business Forum between their chambers of commerce. Additionally, nine agreements and memoranda of understanding were announced in various sectors, including education, culture, tourism, and IT.
The King reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to further developing ties with Cyprus, aiming for broader economic, commercial, developmental, and social cooperation. He also recognized Cyprus's pivotal role in Europe and the Mediterranean, highlighting its support for Arab issues, particularly the Palestinian cause.
The visit concluded with the signing of agreements on mutual recognition of higher education qualifications and memoranda of understanding in areas such as military cooperation, culture, and tourism. An agreement between the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce was also signed, followed by an official luncheon hosted by the King in honor of President Christodoulides.