Egypt’s support appreciated by Cyprus

Egypt has been instrumental in the efforts to achieve a viable and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions and principles of international law, President Tassos Papadopoulos said Tuesday, receiving the credentials of the new Ambassador of Egypt Ahmed Ragheb.

Papadopoulos reiterated his commitment to a solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation that will bring about the reunification of the country, its people, society, economy and institutions.

The Cypriot President said that “at this crucial time, we continue to seek the support and assistance of our friends and my government and I greatly appreciate Egypt’s support and understanding within the Organisation of the Islamic Conference in rebuffing any efforts by Turkey to upgrade its illegal secessionist entity and safeguarding that OIC decisions will be consistent with the UN Charter and Resolutions, particularly Security Council Resolutions 541 and 550.”

The Ambassador of Egypt said that “Egypt-Cyprus relations are history-long and distinguished, our two countries have always been excellent neighbours since ancient times ever since our region was the centre of civilization. I believe that these close ties of friendship between our two countries will be further strengthened in the years ahead.”

“Cyprus could be Egypt‘s gateway to EU markets while Egypt could be Cyprus‘ gateway to African and Arab markets. Moreover, with the inevitable process of globalisation underway, our two nations have become particularly adapted to serve as a link between different regions of the world,” he noted.

Replying, the President said that “a recent landmark in our bilateral relations was the signing of a Bilateral Agreement on an Exclusive Economic Zone.”