Christodoulides to visit Qatar for key talks

President Nikos Christodoulides is set to embark on an official visit to Qatar, with the focus resting on critical discussions surrounding the Middle East affairs, the ongoing Cyprus issue, and fostering bilateral collaboration.

A statement released on Saturday by the president’s office said that the visit aims to deepen ties, particularly in the energy, investment, and education sectors.

Moreover, the statement noted that President Christodoulides is scheduled to depart for Doha on Sunday afternoon.

Upon arrival, he will receive an official welcome from Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday morning.

The agenda includes a face-toface meeting between the Emir and Christodoulides, followed by bilateral discussions involving delegations from both countries.

A significant highlight of the visit involves the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two nations, specifically focused on cooperation within higher education.

The memorandum aims to foster stronger educational ties between Cyprus and Qatar.

Furthermore, the leader of Qatar will also host a luncheon in honour of President Christodoulides.

On Monday afternoon, President Christodoulides will hold a series of other contacts and visit the “Green Desert, Better Environment” Expo 2023.

The President of the Republic will be accompanied during his meetings in Doha by the Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki, the Director of his Diplomatic Office Marilena Rauna, the Deputy Government Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou, the  Ambassador of the Republic to Qatar, Nikolas Manolis and the Political Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thessalia Salina Shambos.

He will return to Cyprus on the evening of November 27.

Meanwhile, a small delegation from Qatar landed in Israel on Saturday, after having flown through Cyprus, with the aim of securing the continuation of the agreement between Israel and Hamas for the exchange of hostages and detainees, Israeli media reported.

A Qatari private aircraft carrying members of the delegation touched down earlier today at Ben Gurion Airport, originating from Larnaca, as reported by Israel’s public Kan network.

The Cyprus News Agency (CNA) – citing the aforementioned source – reported that a diplomat knowledgeable about the visit confirmed the delegation’s arrival to the German news agency dpa.

Continuing, it said that one of the diplomats, part of the Qatari delegation, emphasised that the group had travelled to Israel to ensure the smooth implementation of the agreement. Discussions are expected to revolve around further steps in the implementation of the agreement between Israel and Hamas, including talks involving intermediaries in Doha.

Qatar and Egypt are considered key intermediaries in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.