Cyprus Foreign Minister signs MoU with Bahraini counterpart

Minister of Foreign Affairs Markos Kyprianou briefed his Bahraini counterpart Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al-Khalifa, on the developments regarding the Cyprus problem, during his official visit to the Gulf country.

According to an official announcement, Kyprianou briefed Al-Khalifa on the ongoing negotiation process, as well as the difficulties that arise.

Al-Khalifa expressed his country’s support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as to the reunification efforts, based on the relevant UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions.

The two sides also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations between the Foreign Ministries of both countries.

Kyprianou referred during the meeting to his personal initiative to endorse relations between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and noted Cyprus’ full support in their promotion.

The Minister also noted that certain provisions of the Organization of the Islamic Conference on Cyprus are in contrast to UN resolutions and the ongoing efforts for reunification.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional matters of mutual interest, including the Middle East Peace Process and developments in Lebanon.

Following the meeting, the two Ministers participated at a working lunch, in the presence of Bahraini Minister of Culture and financial stakeholders.

Kyprianou was also received by the Prime Minster of Bahrain Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al- Khalifa, the announcement adds.

In the meeting, the excellent status of Cyprus-Bahrain bilateral relations was reviewed and the Prime Minister expressed his country’s support to the indivisible character of the Republic of Cyprus.

The Foreign Minister had also a meeting with the new GCC Secretary General Abdullatif bin Rashed Al-Zayyani, due to assume his new duties in April.

Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. Peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country, under a federal roof.

CNA/AGK/GCH 2011