Press Releases

Cairo, 26 May 2022

I would like to start by thanking my distinguished colleague and my dear friend Sameh, for his kind hospitality today in Cairo. As it is always the case, we had an excellent opportunity to hold an in-depth discussion on the whole spectrum of our strategic partnership, and evaluate progress.

Naturally, a significant part of our discussion today was devoted to our prolific bilateral affairs, considering that as Foreign Ministers we are mandated by our esteemed Presidents to lead the preparations of the 2^nd G2G that will take place in Cyprus this autumn.

Today’s meeting was another good opportunity for stocktaking also our trilateral progress with Greece. I had the chance to elaborate on the appointment of the Secretary General of the Trilateral Secretariat in Cyprus; a development that, I trust, will help coordination in view of our 10^th Trilateral Summit to be hosted by Egypt in the second semester.

Regarding our geographical area, we have evaluated recent developments on issues of regional importance and particular challenges in the context of the Eastern Mediterranean.

I have also reiterated the importance of Egypt’s responsible and stabilizing role vis a vis Libya and its crucial contribution as regards all aspects of the Middle East Peace Process including on the situation in the Gaza Strip.

Regarding the Ethiopian Dam, an issue of existential importance to Egypt, I reiterated Cyprus’ full support in reaching a timely and legally binding solution.

Moreover, with Sameh we exchanged views on the current state of affairs in EU-Egypt relations. Egypt is a strategic bulwark in the region and a critical partner, and Cyprus will continue to actively support maintaining a well-paced momentum in the EU-Egypt relations.

We also discussed the current situation in Ukraine and its dramatic consequences from energy to food security, which are adding to the real-impact challenges in our region. This fact makes our cooperation all the more compelling.

That being said, I am pleased to note that the EU is acknowledging that the Eastern Mediterranean can play a significant role in providing an alternative energy corridor both for transferring natural gas, and cleaner energy sources, such as green hydrogen and renewable energy through an electricity interconnection. Egypt, also as a host of COP 27, cannot but be central in all options under consideration.

I very much believe that such synergies are crucial. Formats like the successful example of the EMGF, which Cyprus is presiding this year, are brilliant examples of rules-based regional multilateralism, based on shared strategic interests.

Last but not least, today’s meeting also provided me with a timely opportunity to brief Sameh on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and to thank him for Egypt’s most valuable, continued and unwavering support.

Once again, my dear Sameh, thank you for your warm hospitality. 

(MG/ECHR)