Interior Minister Constantinos Petrides has underlined Cyprus` role in the EU-Arab relations, pointing out that because of its location and the trilateral cooperation with countries in the region, Cyprus can promote security and stability.
The Minister delivered a speech Friday evening during a twinning ceremony between Paphos, on the southwest of Cyprus, and Alexandria, Egypt. The event was attended by Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos, Alexandria Governor Abdel-Aziz Qonsowa and Egypt Ambassador Mai Khalil.
Minister Petrides spoke of the bilateral relations between Cyprus and Egypt and their further enhancement in the recent years adding that this is reflected in many areas and in many levels. He referred to the Trilateral Summit between Cyprus-Greece-Egypt in Crete, the first parliamentary Summit between Cyprus, Greece, Egypt which was hosted by the Cyprus House President in Nicosia recently as well as the participation of the President of the Republic in the EU-Arab League Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, which begins on Sunday.
He said that Cyprus attaches great importance in the relations between the EU and the Arab countries and played a role for the Summit to take place. Petrides also said that Paphos and Alexandria, two cities with ancient historical ties and common challenges, are now joining forces to tackle new challenges. He said that Cyprus and Egypt always enjoyed the values of true friendship and cooperation.
Mayor of Paphos Phedonas Phedonos said that we live in a volatile region and cooperation and coordination are needed to face the conflicts that are responsible for the loss of human lives.
A concert took place following the twinning ceremony where poems of renowned poet Constantinos Kavafis who lived in Alexandria were read.
CNA
