Bilateral relations between Cyprus and Egypt are now at an all-time high, Cyprus' Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides said after consultations with Egypt's Foreign Minister Sami Sukri in Nicosia
He said the meeting with his Egyptian counterpart on Tuesday provided an excellent opportunity for an in-depth discussion on bilateral, trilateral and regional partnerships, "which are constantly being strengthened for the benefit of our peoples and our entire region." He added that they reviewed the full range of their cooperation and exchanged views on the next steps to be taken in efforts to build a secure, peaceful and more prosperous future for generations to come.
He added that they also reviewed the progress made on the basis of what was agreed during the Cyprus-Egypt meeting held 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 roadmap that will lead them to a second meeting between the countries, scheduled to take place in the autumn of next year.
He also said that they signed a memorandum of cooperation between the recently established Cyprus Diplomatic Academy and the Egyptian Institute of Diplomatic Studies.
The two Ministers also took stock of the recent Trilateral and Quadrilateral meetings in Athens, with Greece and France.
"We noted with satisfaction the strategic nature of these formations - always based on a positive agenda - and their added value to our common efforts and ambitions for the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider region. Recognizing their enormous potential, we further explored and discussed possible next steps in their development," Christodoulides said.He added that they exchanged views on the Middle East peace process, the situation in Libya ahead of the planned elections in the country and the latest developments in the Eastern Mediterranean."For my part, I underlined our deep concern about Turkey's increasingly revisionist and destabilizing foreign policy as manifested at various points across the region," he said."
Christodoulides assured his counterpart that Cyprus, as the geographically closest EU member state to the region, aspires to continue to act as a bridge with the EU, not only for Egypt, but for the entire region, consistently upholding the importance of the region in the Brussels perspective."At the same time, we will continue to advocate the need for the EU to be present, engaged and active in this part of the world, which is ultimately the EU's own neighbourhood and 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 at the intransigent attitude of the Turkish government regarding international efforts led by the UN Secretary General to reach a negotiated solution that will reunite the island on the basis of the agreed framework, as defined by the relevant Security Council resolutions and in accordance with international and European law. At the same time, he reaffirmed the government's readiness to continue to engage constructively to achieve this goal."Egypt's steadfast support for our efforts, in international and regional forums, is vital and highly appreciated," he said.Christodoulides also said that Cyprus and Egypt have a common understanding that geography is the destiny that cannot be changed."It is up to us, therefore, the countries of the region to turn our geography into a blessing. Rest assured that we will never tire of working towards this goal, together with all the countries of the region that share the same ideas," he concluded.For his part, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sami Sukri referred to the historic relations between the Cypriot and Egyptian people, which are consistent and rooted in the principles of mutual interest, cooperation and mutual respect.Sukri said he conveyed to Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades the importance Egyptian President Al-Sisi attaches to Egyptian-Cypriot relations and extended to him an invitation to participate in the upcoming World Youth Forum in Sharm El Sheikh. He also said that the two governments do not miss the opportunity to interact and see how to strengthen bilateral relations and coordinate in order to create stability and security for the Eastern Mediterranean region in cooperation 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, the possibility of convening a business council to explore economic opportunities and fully exploit natural resources. And this should be the basis to be strengthened in our region," he said.The Egyptian minister added that he discussed with his Cypriot counterpart their cooperation in international organizations, 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 is important to continue resolving the issue on the basis of Security Council resolutions and on the basis of negotiations. He also welcomed the flexibility shown by the Cypriot Government in this regard. He added that the challenges in the region must be addressed through respect for international legitimacy and international law, with respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the states in the region, with non-expansionist policies and avoidance of aggressive activities.Regarding the Palestinian issue, he stressed the importance of a two-state solution. He also noted the importance of the upcoming elections in Libya and the need to eliminate terrorism in many countries in the region. He referred to cooperation with other Arab countries, as well as with Cyprus and for the stability and security of the region. Sukri also praised the role Cyprus plays in the relations between Egypt and the EU, conveying their voice and the conditions facing the region."We highly value the relationship that exists between Egypt and Cyprus, we see it as an example of what can be achieved through productive and loyal relations and we look forward to continuing this long-term, friendly, warm and productive relationship for many years to come," he concluded.Source: CNA
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