Cabinets of Cyprus-Egypt to jointly convene soon, Foreign Minister says

The Ministerial Councils of Cyprus and Egypt will jointly convene soon, Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides has said.

In statements as he wrapped up his visit to Cairo Saturday and the meetings with his counterpart and the President of Egypt, Christodoulides said that early June the FMs of Cyprus, Egypt, Greece and France will meet in Greece. He added that the EU will also request to participate in the East Mediterranean Gas Forum.

Christodoulides in his statements expressed his satisfaction for the outcome of the visit to Cairo, saying that with his counterpart Sameh Shoukry and President al Sisi they discussed a number of issues.

As regards the bilateral ties, Cyprus’ minister said that there is the will and determination to work on specific sectors and to further enhance the relations in areas such as the economy, trade, investments, education. He explained that it is in this framework that the Cabinets of the two countries will meet soon to discuss these matters.

The foreign minister also referred to trilateral cooperation saying that last week the defence ministers of Cyprus, Greece and Egypt met in Nicosia and discussed the cooperation with other countries such as France. Hopefully, he added, the foreign ministers of the four countries will be able to have consultations beginning of June in Athens.

Christodoulides also said that the cooperation in energy and electricity sectors is well established and the EU is expected to make a request to be part of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum. He said that during his meetings, he conveyed President Anastasiades’ congratulations to the Egyptian Presidency for the pivotal role Egypt played in the crisis in Gaza, pointing out its decisive role in  the region in general.

The Egyptian foreign ministry issued a press release right after the meeting Christodoulides had with his counterpart, pointing out that they discussed the strong bilateral relations, friendly bonds and cooperation.

The foreign ministers agreed to step up the completion of mutual projects in the energy sector and to enhance the cooperation in tourist industry.

The crisis in Gaza was also on the agenda and Shoukry pointed out in the meeting that it is important for the peace process to have a perspective.

Moreover the Spokesperson of the Egyptian Presidency said that that President Sisi expressed his will for the cooperation to be further enhanced in political, defence, trade and energy level. He also referred to his will to strengthen the trilateral cooperation with Greece for the benefit of the joint interests in the Eastern Mediterranean and the challenges in the region.

Christodoulides, the Egyptian Presidency pointed out, conveyed President Anastasiades` strong attention to the robust bilateral ties and the cooperation in the region. He also conveyed Cyprus` support of Egypt`s interests within the EU.

Christodoulides and al Sisi also discussed trilateral partnerships, the crisis in the Middle East and other regional issues.