Bilateral relations, the Cyprus issue, the situation in the Middle East and migration were discussed on Thursday between House of Representatives President Annita Demetriou and the new Ambassador of Egypt Mohamed Swawky Zaazou, on the occasion of the assumption of his duties.

A House of Representatives press release says that during the meeting Demetriou and the Ambassador discussed the excellent level of Cyprus-Egypt relations which are based on common principles and values and the common goal of achieving conditions of peace, stability and prosperity for the benefit of the peoples of the region.

They also discussed the importance of further strengthening the bilateral cooperation in a wide range of sectors and expressed the common will to intensify the dialogue and exchanges between the Parliaments of Cyprus and Egypt.

Demetriou, the press release says, noted that Egypt is a strategic partner for Cyprus and expressed her sincere gratitude for Egypt’s principled position and steadfast support regarding the Cyprus problem.

"She stressed our side’s commitment for the resumption of the peace negotiations to achieve a solution, in accordance with international law and the UNSC Resolutions, which will reunite the country in conditions of lasting peace and security and potentially have a catalytic effect, creating significant prospects for cooperation and development for the benefit of the region," it adds.

The House President also praised the leading role played by Egypt in the region, noting in particular the country's valuable contribution to efforts for de-escalation of the Mideast crisis.

She stressed Cyprus' firm position on the Middle East issue, fully in line with the relevant UN Resolutions.

The Ambassador of Egypt, the press release continues, "reaffirmed his country's principled position on the Cyprus problem." He also underlined that Cyprus is "a valuable ally for Egypt and expressed appreciation for the support provided by Cyprus to the dialogue and cooperation between Egypt and the EU."

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, Ambassador Zaazou noted that Egypt is working with partner countries to de-escalate the crisis and achieve lasting peace.

He also referred to the measures Egypt is taking to more effectively manage the migration issue.

Demetriou and Zaazou also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and stressed the importance of cooperation to address common challenges, with particular emphasis on migration.

Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. Numerous UN peace talks for the reunification of the island under a federal roof failed to yield results so far. The latest round took place in 2017 in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana.

President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides attended an informal dinner on 15th October 2024, with the UNSG António Guterres and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, at the UN headquarters in New York.

The two sides are waiting from the UN to set a date for an expanded five-party meeting.