Egypt, Cyprus discuss cooperation in natural gas

CAIRO - 15 March 2018: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed on Thursday with his Cypriot counterpart Nicos Christodoulides bilateral relations and cooperation especially in the natural gas sector.

The Egyptian top diplomat conveyed congratulations of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to his Cypriot counterpart Nicos Anastasiades for his re-election, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu-Zeid.

Shoukry congratulated Christodoulides on assuming his new post as his country's foreign minister, stressing that he is welcomed to visit Egypt at the earliest possible time, the spokesman said.

He voiced his keenness on continuing consultations with Cyprus within the framework of the bilateral relations and the trilateral consultations mechanism comprising both countries alongside Greece, Abu-Zeid added.

Talks between the two ministers tackled regional and international issues, topped by maintaining security and stability in eastern the Mediterranean.

Shoukry voiced Egypt's appreciation for the Cypriot stances in support of Cairo, stressing Egypt's keenness on developing cooperation with Cyprus in the natural gas domain.

He pointed out to the importance of finalizing needed measures connected with the governmental agreement on constructing gas pipelines between both countries. In return, the Cypriot minister affirmed that his country is working on this file in line with the set timetable.

Christodoulides thanked Egypt for supporting the Cypriot cause at international forums.