Nicosia: The Arab League and Cyprus discussed regional and international developments of mutual interest, as well as ways to strengthen bilateral relations.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Arab League stated that its Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, held a series of meetings, including one with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. During the meeting, the Secretary-General commended Cyprus's supportive stance on the Palestinian cause at international forums. He emphasized the important role Cyprus can play during its presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) in promoting Arab-European dialogue and cooperation and advancing the strategic partnership between the two sides.
Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit also met with Cypriot Parliament Speaker Anita Demetriou, where they discussed the role of parliamentary diplomacy in supporting regional issues. He further engaged in extensive talks with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Koumbous regarding the future of the ceasefire in Gaza and related arrangements concerning the future of the Palestinian cause, as well as prospects for future cooperation in various fields.
The discussions included coordination on a number of regional issues, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the resumption of the Arab-European Ministerial Meeting, which has been suspended for several years. In this context, the Arab League Secretary-General noted that Cyprus' presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) provides an exceptional opportunity to deepen dialogue between the two sides on common issues, especially those related to security and stability in the Mediterranean region.
He expressed his confidence that Cyprus will contribute effectively during its presidency to strengthening relations between the Arab and European groups, in a way that achieves common interests and enhances security and prosperity in the region.