President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Prime Minister Sherif Ismail praised Cyprus’ cooperation during the hijacked plane crisis during a meeting with Cypriot parliamentary speaker Yannakis Omirou on Tuesday.
Al-Sisi pointed to the Cypriot support of Egypt in international institutions. Ismail added that Cyprus supported Egypt in front of EU institutions, especially after 30 June 2013, according to a statement released by the cabinet on Tuesday.
Omirou said that his country is ready to be the voice of Egypt inside the European Union.
The Egyptian and Cypriot sides discussed the impact of terrorism on the migration crisis, and how both countries can play a role in facing this phenomenon, especially concerning the Syrian refugees crisis.
Al-Sisi placed emphasis on finding a developmental solution, in addition to security, to face this issue.
During his visit to Egypt, Omirou told journalists that the region is going through a hard time, and countries like Egypt and Cyprus are considered as pillars of stability.
He praised Egyptian support for Cyprus’ case against Turkish violations. Ismail confirmed Egypt’s support of the efforts aiming to unify Cyprus.
Ismail spoke positively about economic cooperation between Egypt and Cyprus in the field of gas exploration. He also said that Egypt is willing to work with Cyprus to boost the tourism industry, in addition to addressing illegal immigration.
Cyprus is cooperating with Egypt in several fields, such as maritime transportation, investments, tourism, and counter-terrorism efforts, Omirou said. Both sides discussed further developing bilateral relations.
The Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry spoke about the importance of strategic relations between Egypt and Cyprus during his meeting with Omirou on Monday, according to a statement released by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
Shoukry also pointed to the trilateral cooperation between Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece, affirming that the leaders of the three countries are keen to fully develop this cooperation.
Omirou is currently visiting Egypt to enforce parliamentary cooperation with the Egyptian parliament. Both sides discussed several regional issues, particularly the fight against terrorism.
Egypt, Greece and Cyprus started a trilateral cooperation, mainly for cooperation in Mediterranean gas exploration.
The gas explorations in the Eastern Mediterranean have resulted in crucial discoveries for the three states, especially Egypt, as it is in dire need of an economic boost, and Greece, which is still suffering from the economic crisis. Moreover, forming an ally in the face of Turkish policies in the region may be also a target of this alliance.
