Energy issues, President Anastasiades` initiatives on the Middle East, as well as the preparation of the forthcoming tripartite meeting (Cyprus, Egypt, Greece) at the level of heads of state and government to be held in Athens, were the topics discussed at the tete-a-tete meeting between the Presidents of Cyprus and Egypt, Nicos Anastasiades and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi respectively.
In statements after the meeting, Government Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides said that it was an excellent meeting, adding that the first issue on the agenda were energy developments in the region following the recent gas discoveries within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Egypt.
He noted that the two Presidents share the common belief that an even stronger cooperation between Cyprus and Egypt in the field of energy would yield benefits to both the region and the two countries.
“An ongoing dialogue is underway and it is expected to be enhanced” he added.
Christodoulides said that the Egyptian President expressed satisfaction over the initiative of President Anastasiades “for the Israeli Prime Minister and Palestinian President to be separately invited to the European Council” as well the the visit of European Council President Mr. Tusk in Egypt.
The Cypriot President also briefed his Egyptian counterpart on the trip he is planning in Jordan and Palestine and possibly in some other countries in the region.
As regards the tripartite meeting, the Government Spokesman said that the meeting at the level of the Heads of State of Greece, Cyprus and Egypt is be expected to be held in Athens.
“The date may be announced during the meeting of the three Foreign Ministers on October 1 in New York. So, we should expect specific dates soon, “he said.
During its stay in the US on the occassion of the UN General Assembly, President Anastasiades addressed several think tanks and American-Jewish organizations speaking about the need to support the government of the Egyptian President. Replying to a question, the Government Spokesman said that President Sisi welcomed Cyprus` stance on this issue.