Egypt's FM urges swift implementation of deal to employ Egyptian workers in Cyprus

CAIRO – 18 July 2026: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a phone call with his Cypriot counterpart, Constantinos Kombos, on Friday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and exchange views on regional developments.

During the call, the two ministers praised the strong historical ties between their countries, which were elevated to a strategic partnership during President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's visit to Cyprus in April.

Abdelatty expressed his hope for continued coordination at all levels between Egypt and Cyprus. He also stressed the importance of expanding economic and trade cooperation and called for the swift implementation of the memorandum of understanding on employing Egyptian workers in Cyprus.

The foreign minister also highlighted the importance of the trilateral cooperation mechanism among Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece in advancing their strategic partnership. He underscored the need to further strengthen cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, tourism, and economic development.

The two ministers also exchanged views on the latest regional developments and efforts to de-escalate tensions. Abdelatty briefed his Cypriot counterpart on Egypt's diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis, emphasizing the need to prioritize political and diplomatic solutions and prevent the conflict from expanding, given its potential impact on regional security and stability, international maritime navigation, global trade, and supply chains.

For his part, Kombos expressed Cyprus' appreciation for Egypt's efforts to promote calm and reduce tensions in the region. The two ministers agreed to maintain close coordination and consultation within the framework of the strategic partnership between their countries and to support all efforts aimed at de-escalation.