Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty held political consultations on Friday in Nicosia with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos to discuss boosting bilateral relations in various sectors.
In statements, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tamim Khallaf said Abdelatty praised the deep-rooted historical ties between Egypt and Cyprus, expressing confidence in further strengthening political and economic coordination between the two countries, particularly with Cyprus is set to assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026.
He stressed the importance of stepping up high-level visits and contacts, building on the outcomes of the recent Egypt-Cyprus summit and ahead of the upcoming Egypt-Cyprus-Greece tripartite summit, scheduled for January 2025 in Cairo.
The talks covered a broad spectrum of cooperation areas, including education, higher education, information and communication technology (ICT), scientific research, transportation, tourism, and notably the energy sector.
Abdelatty underlined the importance of linking Cypriot gas fields to Egypt and enhancing energy cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
He also called for expanding economic and investment cooperation, boosting trade volume, and advancing bilateral economic activities through the joint business council and ongoing business forums.
Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to facilitating job opportunities for Egyptian workers in Cyprus in a range of sectors.
On regional developments, the two ministers exchanged views on key issues, with particular focus on the situation in the Gaza Strip.
Abdelatty praised Cyprus’s support for the Palestinian cause and asserted the urgent need for sustained international pressure on Israel to halt its military operations, accept ceasefire proposals, and allow the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza, warning of an imminent famine and deepening humanitarian crisis.
The foreign minister reiterated Egypt’s firm rejection of any plans to forcibly displace Palestinians or undermine the Palestinian cause.
He decried Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza and ongoing acts of genocide and starvation against the Palestinian people.
They also discussed the situations in Libya, Syria, Lebanon, and Sudan.
Regarding Libya, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence.
He called for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya, stressing the pressing need to advance an inclusive political process, paving the way for presidential and parliamentary elections away from external interference.
Regarding Syria, he expressed Egypt’s full support for the Syrian people, stressing the necessity of respecting Syria’s unity and territorial integrity. He called for an inclusive political process to ensure that Syria remains a source of stability in the region.
On Lebanon, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s solidarity, urging an immediate end to Israeli aggression, Israel’s full withdrawal from occupied territories, and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Concerning Sudan, he stressed the urgent need to reach a ceasefire and ensure the unhindered access to humanitarian aid.
He also reiterated Egypt’s commitment to supporting Sudanese state institutions and preserving Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
