-
.
- Ελληνικά
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos today received the Foreign Minister of the Philippines, Mr. Enrique Manalo, who is on an official visit to Cyprus, following an invitation by Mr. Kombos.
After the signing of the visitors' book, the two Ministers had a private meeting and then held extended consultations with the participation of delegations of the two Ministries.
During the consultations, bilateral relations, the Cyprus problem, as well as European and international current affairs were discussed.
In a statement to reporters after the consultations, the Foreign Minister welcomed Mr. Manalo to Nicosia, noting that this is the first visit of a Philippine Foreign Minister to Cyprus.
The framework for the further deepening of our cooperation is given, Mr. Kompos said, noting that Cyprus and the Philippines are guided by common core values such as democracy, respect for international law and the law of the sea. Moreover, he added, the presence of a large Filipino community in Cyprus brings us closer and contributes significantly to the development of people-to-people contacts.
The Foreign Minister said, inter alia, that he briefed the Philippine Foreign Minister on the recent developments in the Cyprus problem and expressed the Republic of Cyprus' deep appreciation for the principled stance taken by the Philippines.
Mr. Kobos reiterated that Cyprus does not have any involvement in any military conflicts in the region. He stressed Cyprus' role as a humanitarian aid mediator, which has been widely recognized by the international community and the United Nations.
For his part, Mr. Manalo said, among other things, that they had a very successful and productive meeting, which is a milestone for relations between the two countries in view of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cyprus and the Philippines to be celebrated next year. After touching upon all the issues that dominated the meeting and consultations between them, the Philippine Foreign Minister noted that the discussions showed that there is great potential for further strengthening bilateral relations in a multitude of areas.
Subsequently, the two Ministers responded to questions from journalists.
Asked whether Lebanese Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah's threats were directed at the British Sovereign Base Areas or the Republic of Cyprus and its cooperation with Israel in general, Kobos said. Cyprus has not been involved, is not involved and will not be involved in any kind of military activities against any country in our region, against any country that could be the victim of a military attack. So Cyprus has nothing to do with this. Therefore, we believe that the whole debate lacks basis. We have tried repeatedly in recent months, and before that, to offer our support to the people of Gaza in cooperation with a number of other countries and with the United Nations. So we are equally surprised at what has been said, because it has nothing to do with what Cyprus is actually doing or what Cyprus stands for. Therefore, we have taken all the necessary steps, all the necessary diplomatic steps. I will highlight the statements by the Lebanese authorities. I note the statements by the European Union, by Greece, by the United States, by other countries expressing their support and solidarity. So that is the situation. This is where we are and we will continue to work to safeguard and secure the interest of the Republic of Cyprus."
For the full text of the Foreign Minister's opening statement click here.
(AF)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
