President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides will be in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt on Monday, 13 October, following an invitation by the US President and the President of Egypt, to attend the signing ceremony of the agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages.
According to a written statement by Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the participation of the Republic of Cyprus in the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit constitutes a clear recognition of Cyprus' upgraded role as a reliable interlocutor and a bridge of cooperation between Europe and the Middle East.
The Spokesman notes that the agreement for Gaza is a historic step towards ending a tragedy that has shocked humanity and restores hope for peace and stability in the Middle East.
The heads of state and government will be welcomed by President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and, at 3pm, a family photo will follow.
The signing ceremony of the Sharm el-Sheikh Agreement to End the War in Gaza will take place five minutes later, while at 3.15pm, the Summit will begin with the opening remarks of the President of Egypt and the intervention of the US President.
"The Republic of Cyprus is among the European states that were jointly invited by President Trump and President Sisi to attend the ceremony. This event confirms the international appreciation for the contribution of Cyprus to regional humanitarian and diplomatic initiatives, in particular through the "Amalthea" Initiative," the Spokesman stresses, referring to the humanitarian aid sea corridor to Gaza, an initiative by the Republic of Cyprus.
He adds that President Christodoulides' presence at the Summit underlines the responsible and coherent foreign policy of the Republic of Cyprus, which has strengthened the country’s diplomatic footprint internationally, through the building of relationships of trust.
The Spokesman also refers to the EU, noting the importance of its role both as regards the implementation of the agreement as well as the next phase of the humanitarian and development support for Gaza.
Cyprus, he points out, due to its geographical proximity and operational capabilities, can act as a natural bridge for European action in the region, especially in view of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026.
The ceremony will be attended, among others, by the President of the United States, the President of Egypt, the leaders of Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, France, Greece, Germany, Italy, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, as well as the President of the European Council, the UN Secretary-General and the General Secretary of the Arab League.
The President of the Republic will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos, the Government Spokesman, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, Director of the President's Diplomatic Office Doros Venezis and other officials.
(Source: CNA)
