Cyprus is one of the most enthusiastic supporters of the new enhanced strategic partnership between the EU and Egypt, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides stated in an interview with the Al-Ahram newspaper, on the occasion of the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between Egypt and the EU over the weekend in Cairo.
Christodoulides spoke of excellent relations between Cyprus and Egypt, stating that the two countries are strategic partners with a close relationship of cooperation and common goals, striving to ensure security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, based on the principles of international law and sovereign equality.
He said that there are always new agreements and prospects under discussion for new joint projects, and that one of the areas in which they seek to enhance cooperation is that of human resources, where Egypt has much to offer. He also mentioned that several other agreements, both bilateral and trilateral, are under discussion with the aim of being concluded at the next bilateral Cyprus-Egypt Summit and the next trilateral summit.
Christodoulides also referred to the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum, established as a result of Egyptian initiative, which he described as a valuable tool for regional energy cooperation among states wishing to cooperate on equal terms, based on mutual respect and compliance with international law.
He reminded that Cyprus and Egypt signed an agreement in 2019 for the construction of an underwater pipeline for the transfer of natural gas from Cyprus to Egypt, utilizing the latter’s existing infrastructure for liquefaction and re-export. This option, he emphasized, continues to be a priority as the preferred course of action, both politically and commercially.
The President also referred to the trilateral cooperation between Cyprus, Egypt, and Greece, which he said reflects a strategic alliance in the service of the common priority for peace and stability in the region.
According to the President, Cyprus considers Egypt indispensable, both as a bilateral partner and in our region, as well as in the wider Middle East and Africa.
“We firmly believe that Egypt is a cornerstone of stability in an unstable part of the world, and that the security of Cyprus and Egypt are inseparably linked,” said the President of the Republic of Cyprus.
He stressed that Cyprus seeks to bring Europe closer to Egypt and Egypt closer to Europe, adding that no power today doubts the systemic strategic significance of Egypt as a security pillar and international partner.
In his interview, the President also mentioned the measures Cyprus is taking regarding the migration crisis, emphasizing that efforts are also focused on the EU collectively reassessing the situation in Syria, or at least specific areas of the country, based on current realities and the assessment of the European Asylum Support Office.
He also said that in close cooperation with the European Commission, Cyprus aims to strengthen Europol’s presence in the Eastern Mediterranean to better combat migrant smuggling.
“We firmly believe,” he emphasized, “that cooperation between Europol, the Cyprus Police, and the Lebanese authorities is necessary at this point, especially considering geopolitical developments.”
