Saudi Arabia`s Foreign Minister Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud expressed on Thursday his country’s support to the sovereignty of Cyprus, noting that they are very concerned over the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
 
In statements to the press after consultations he held in Nicosia with his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides, Al Saud called on all countries to abide by the UN Security Council resolutions related to the settlement of disputes and the international law. He also stressed that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and not through trying to impose situations on the ground.
 
On his part, Christodoulides said that he informed Saudi Arabia`s Minister about the latest developments in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, particularly the escalating illegal activities and aggressive behavior of Turkey. He stressed that “the solidarity and support from countries such as Saudi Arabia, which has a clear understanding of the situation in the Εastern Mediterranean and beyond, are indispensable to us.”
 
Referring to the two countries’ bilateral relations he noted that an MoU on political consultations will be immediately activated on the basis of a specific roadmap, with the purpose of promoting sectoral cooperation with deliverables.
 
The Cyprus News Agency has learned that it was decided during the talks that the two countries will promote the signing of seven bilateral agreements and the organization of two business fora before the end of the year, one in Cyprus and one in Saudi Arabia with a view to promote investments.
 
The seven agreements concern among others the issues of energy, economy, technical cooperation, provision of help for the evacuation of Saudi Arabia`s citizens, cooperation in public security issues and the judicial sector, commercial shipping, the exchange of classified information and the prohibition of the illegal export and import of cultural artefacts.
 
Moreover it was decided that the two countries will work in order to launch direct flights between them, by Cyprus Airways and a Saudi Arabia air carrier.
 
Christodoulides and Al Saud also discussed and exchanged views on the situation in Libya, Syria, Yemen and Iran.
 
In his statements, Al Saud said that “we agreed that the bilateral relations are in an excellent place, to work together very closely to move them to a much better situation and to continue to develop this very important, very strong relationship between our two friendly countries.”
 
He noted that during their discussions they found that they have aligned views as regards regional issues, geopolitical issues and also the challenges which the global community faces. He went on to say that this is indicative of the opportunities that exist as regards the two countries’ cooperation both at bilateral level and multilateral fora.
 
Al Saud said that they talked about the various challenges in the region. “We reiterated the Kingdom’s support to the sovereignty of Cyprus over whole its territories. We are very concerned over the developments in Eastern Mediterranean region,” he said.

Al Saud also commended Cyprus for the way it has handled the coronavirus pandemic.
 
On his part, Christodoulides said that “at our consultations today, we had the opportunity to discuss various issues pertaining to our bilateral cooperation, focusing on tangible ways of further enhancing them in several fields. To this end, the MoU on political consultations will be immediately activated on the basis of a specific roadmap, with the purpose of promoting sectoral cooperation with deliverables. The first step will be taken at the level of Permanent Secretaries of our respective Ministries,” he added.
 
Furthermore he said that he informed the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia on the state of play of the various initiatives Cyprus, along with Greece and Arab countries, including Egypt, Jordan and the UAE, as well as EU countries, such as France, are taking towards building collaboration with the aim of more effectively addressing regional challenges but also enhancing cooperation in such areas as energy and defence. 
 
He also noted that they had the opportunity to discuss about EU-Saudi relations. “I reiterated our position that these ties are crucial in our joint efforts to successfully address the common challenges before us. As such, Cyprus will continue to actively advocate in Brussels for their substantive enhancement,” he said.

CNA has learned that the Saudi Arabia`s FM asked for Cyprus support for a Visa Waiver Program for his country`s citizens who visit Europe. Moreover it was agreed that Christodoulides will invite Al Saud to a working breakfast with his EU counterparts, in the framework of the EU FMs Council meeting that will take place in October.
 
Before visiting Cyprus, Al Saud visited Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and France while after Cyprus he is going to visit Italy.

(CNA)