Reply by the President of The Republic of Cyprus, Mr Νikos Christodoulides, on the occasion of the presentation of credentials by the new Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Mr Mohamed Swawky Zaazou

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23/11/24 13:40 | Speech / Address | President of the Republic / Presidency, Foreign Policy

Your Excellency,

It is with distinct pleasure and genuine feelings of friendship that I receive today your Letters of Credence, appointing you as the new Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Republic of Cyprus. Rest assured that both myself and my government will furnish you with every assistance necessary in the performance of your high duties, aiming at building upon the age-old, vibrant and strategic relations that we have developed over the decades between our two countries.

The longstanding ties between Cyprus and Egypt date back thousands of years, as evidenced by plentiful archaeological discoveries. For more than sixty years, the bilateral relations between our two countries have expanded across various sectors with sound and significant impact for our respective societies, as clearly reflected in the constant and plausible people-to-people interaction.

At the same time, I am truly convinced that there is always potential for further development, and I thus look forward to collaborating with you to consummate all memoranda and agreements currently under discussion.

Your Excellency,

Your arrival in Cyprus comes at a pivotal moment in our shared history. While we continue to share the same strategic commitment to stability and peace, we also face unprecedented regional as well as global challenges that require close cooperation and coordination. In response to these challenges, Cyprus and Egypt, together with Greece, initiated the first trilateral partnership in the Eastern Mediterranean back in 2014. This collaboration has since evolved into a cornerstone of regional diplomacy, yielding tangible results in areas such as energy, security, and economic development. Looking ahead, we are eager to continue these productive discussions at the upcoming 10th Trilateral Summit, which will take place in Egypt. This summit will serve as a vital platform for advancing our collaborative efforts and addressing regional challenges.

Additionally, our ongoing Government-to-Government (G2G) dialogue reflects the strong bilateral framework we have built. Through this mechanism, we have been able to align our strategies on key issues, ensuring that our joint initiatives continue to deliver meaningful results for both our countries and the broader region.

At the European level, Cyprus has consistently championed Egypt’s role as one of the most crucial partners for the EU, particularly in addressing key issues such as migration, counter-terrorism and regional stability. We wholly applaud the decision to elevate the EU-Egypt relationship to the level of a strategic and comprehensive partnership as we are fully cognisant of Egypt’s role in the broader security, stability and prosperity of the region.

I thus assure you that Cyprus is and will remain the firmest and staunchest supporter of Egypt in Brussels, calling for deeper and constructive engagement. Tackling pressing regional issues and challenges without Egypt’s active involvement is unattainable and we are now particularly pleased as the EU comprehends this reality.

Your Excellency,

At this point, I wish to extend our profound gratitude for Egypt’s longstanding and principled stance on the Cyprus problem. Fifty years since the illegal Turkish invasion and the ongoing military occupation of almost 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, my government remains committed to a comprehensive and viable solution firmly anchored on the relevant UNSC Resolutions, and fully in line with EU law and principles. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus, along with the international community, unequivocally condemns the Turkish side’s irrational position for a “two-states” solution. We therefore continue to exert all efforts to resume negotiations, with a view to ending the Turkish occupation and to reunifying Cyprus and its people.

Your Excellency,

Cyprus has proven to be a credible friend, one that seek to elevate our relations to new heights. In this regard, I wish to reiterate our sincere will to support your valuable mission. Please convey to my dear friend, the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mr Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and to the brotherly Egyptian people, our warmest greetings and very best wishes for enduring peace and prosperity.

Ambassador Zaazou, I warmly welcome you to Cyprus.

(NZ/MS)

Reply by the President of The Republic of Cyprus, Mr Νikos Christodoulides, on the occasion of the presentation of credentials by the new Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Mr Mohamed Swawky Zaazou

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