Cypriot Embassy in Cairo Celebrates 65 Independence Day & Diplomatic Ties with Egypt

On Tuesday, the Embassy of Cyprus in Cairo celebrated the 65th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus and the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cyprus and Egypt.

Several ministers and senior officials, including Dr Khaled El-Anany, Director-General Elect of UNESCO, attended the event.

The celebration also welcomed several diplomats and representatives from various countries.

During her speech, Ambassador Polly Ioannou started by welcoming the guests, praising the cooperation between Egypt and Cyprus. 

She said that the relationships between both countries are described as follows: "Cyprus and Egypt are allies, not because of opportunity, whether it be the natural gas cooperation we have, or the current alignment of any interests.

We are allies because we have laid, brick by brick, the solid foundations of our relations and these foundations have stood the test of time."

She added: "We are allies because we have organically developed good neighbourly relations based on equal partnership, respect for each other and for the rules-based international order.

We are allies because we share unity of purpose in seeking peace in the eastern Mediterranean and beyond: peace in Cyprus, in Palestine, in Ukraine, in the Sudan and in the tens of conflicts that are ongoing around the world.

Cyprus and Egypt have been brought together by geography, and while we never choose our neighbours, I would say that if we could choose our neighbours, we would choose Egypt."

The ambassador also praised the developed strategic Egyptian and European ties. 

Moreover, she congratulated the newly elected Director-General of UNESCO Dr. Khaled El Enani.