Cyprus calls on Egypt to assist in persuading Turkey to shift intransigent stance

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades has asked the Egyptian government to exert every effort towards persuading Turkey to alter its intransigent stance and to reverse its unilateral and provocative actions, in view of ultimately easing of tensions in a consistent and sustained manner, allowing the cultivation of a climate that is conducive to facilitating the resumption of the peace process.

Welcoming the the Ambassador of Egypt, Mohsen Hamza, in Nicosia, the President said that only if Turkey terminates its stance will there be realistic prospects for success.

Anastasiades stressed the importance of holding an informal conference on the Cyprus Problem, in order to finally clarify views and objectives, which have in the recent period grown increasingly polarised.

"Nonetheless, it is highly disheartening when, at the very moment that the UN Secretary-General informed of his readiness to prepare the ground for re-launching the negotiating process, Turkey responds with illegal and provocative actions, either by the drilling operations within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus or with the opening of the fenced area of Varosha in clear violation of international law and the UN Security Council resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992), which call for the return and resettlement of the area by its rightful and lawful inhabitants," the President said.

Anastasiades also referred to the strong bilateral ties between Cyprus and Egypt, but also to the trilateral partnerships they have shared, referring particularly to the joint initiative taken by the two countries and Greece in 2014 to establish a number of partnerships in the region. 

"Our trilateral cooperation has already yielded specific results in a number of fields," Anastasiades said. "Naturally, the broad range and future of our trilateral partnership,= were extensively discussed during last October’s 8th Trilateral Summit in Nicosia, where I had the great pleasure to host my good friends President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis" he added.

He also went on to say that it is now a common EU perception that regional challenges like those in Syria and Libya cannot be addressed without the contribution of Egypt, adding that the same applies vis-à-vis the historically leading role of Egypt regarding the Middle East Peace Process.

The new Ambassador of Egypt said that the two countries' bilateral ties form the solid foundation of a strategic partnership that covers a wide array of fields. Hamza also expressed the hope to further solidify these relations, while striving to open up new avenues of cooperation.

He also referred to the COVID-19 pandemic which has presented new adversities and challenges in the region, as well as serious threats for its collective security and stability.

"Both our countries share common positions on these challenges and threats that violate international law, prolong regional conflicts and sponsor terrorism. Egypt will continue to coordinate, consult and exchange valuable information with Cyprus and our trusted partners in that connection", he said.

Hamza also reassured of Egypt’s firm position on the Cyprus issue based on United Nations Security Council Resolutions and Egypt's opposition to any acts that contravene with what was agreed on by the international community.

Referring to regional energy security, Ambassador Hamza said that the joint cooperation endeavors in both the gas and electricity sectors are a case in point. He added that both countries need to make the best use of the huge potential available and move forward towards the implementation of existing projects while considering other possible undertakings.

He also referred to the military collaboration which is growing and said that political coordination remains steadfast and increasing. He spoke of the strength of the strategic partnership and the common political which needs to be better translated on the economic and commercial fronts.

"This is particularly relevant as Egypt’s economy is steadily becoming one of the world’s best preforming emerging economies. The business environment presents unique opportunities that both sides should exploit and I therefore intend to work with concerned parties in order to explore all relevant prospects", he concluded.