Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Egypt-Cyprus Bilateral Relations Witness Golden Era: Cypriot Shipping Deputy Min.


Mon 28 Jan 2019 | 03:15 PM
maydaa nadar

By: Mohamed Wadie, Maydaa Abo El-Nadar

CAIRO, Jan. 28 (SEE)- Egypt, Cyprus and Greece have been sharing historical and geographical ties since ancient times. Parallel to enhancing the trilateral relations across various sectors, Egypt and Cyprus are looking forward to extending their mutual cooperation. In this regard, Cypriot Deputy Minister of Shipping Natasa Pilides paid a visit to Egypt.

Pilides is the first person to preside over this position as the Cypriot Deputy Ministry was created recently in March 2018. Worth noting is that Cyprus’s maritime sector is rooted in age-old traditions, with more than 300 authorized shipping companies that employs 3% of the country’s total population.

SEE News utilized this opportunity and conducted an interview with the Deputy Minister:

Could you brief us about the most significant meetings you held with the Egyptian side?

I met with Egyptian Minister of Transportation Hesham Arafat and his collaborators. We discussed bilateral relations and cooperation between both countries on many different levels.The discussions included the International Maritime Organization’s policy; the environment’s protection according to international measures; vessels’ carbon footprint, an issue of a big concern for both Egypt and Cyprus; and regional measures concerning pollution.

We also talked about the various initiatives that were launched to expand the market for joint cruises between Cyprus and Egypt, not only to benefit Egyptians and Cypriotes, but also for people from other countries. It is already developing and we hope to receive results showing increasing numbers of cruises and of people interested in taking advantage.

What about Cyprus’s interest in collaborating with Egypt in the Suez Canal?

We met with Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority Admiral Mohab Mamish. During the meeting we talked about the canal’s expansion, free-trade zones, and attracting investors from other countries to collaborate. We already had interest to collaborate in the Suez Canal, so we are going to renew our call to companies to put their potential in investing there. Organizing a Cypriot companies’ delegation to visit Egypt and the canal is a significant idea. They should experience themselves the huge progress being done at the moment.

Could you evaluate collaboration on the trilateral level (Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece) from one side, and on the bilateral level (Egypt-Cyprus), from the other side?

On the trilateral level, collaboration is witnessing an excellent level and it is probably at its highest level. We are very delighted with the collaboration’s results. A lot of progress, that is going to change the whole region’s landscape, has been made in the energy sector.

Beyond the energy sector, I strongly believe that there are plenty of areas in which we can collaborate very closely, including education, tourism, and technology. For example, there are vast opportunities to expand existing programs and cooperation between universities and academies of both countries. Also cooperating in technology will serve Egypt’s and Cyprus’s economy.

Speaking about bilateral relations (Egypt-Cyprus), we are also very satisfied with the mutual support between Egypt and Cyprus, especially regarding the shipping sector where we share common objectives. As a small country (Cyprus) in the region, having strategic partnership with Egypt is of a huge importance. We believe that this partnership it is going to have a great and a positive influence.

https://youtu.be/PFqRoawihgk

Our region is facing many obstacles. In this regard, how do you foresee the trilateral collaboration model?

This trilateral collaboration can serve as a successful model for the region. Its benefits are apparent as many Cypriot companies have been collaborating with the Egyptian side. Bearing in mind that political good-will is crucial, a fact that gives investors from both sides the comfort and confidence to expand their mutual investments. I believe that applying a Cyprus-Egypt model would play a great role in advancing many different sectors economically.

We suffered after the revolution and many Egyptian experts left the country. So do you advise them to put their potential in the Egyptian market?

A similar problem was faced in Cyprus when a lot of people left seeking better future, after the financial crisis had occurred. However when progressive measures are taken such as: the Suez Canal’s expansion, creating jobs in specialized areas including technology, shipping, and trade, people come back. I think that people prefer to stay in their country if they are given opportunities.

For people to be able to return, it is the governments’ role to attract them. People understand that recovery takes time. Once positive initiatives are recognized, people feel open to examine these possibilities.

Worth noting is that having a vast youthful population is a great advantage for Egypt. I see that the country is very committed to build bright future for them. Egypt offers its youth several opportunities economically where they can build their careers.

In addition, I think that the energy sector will play a pivotal role in this matter, as it will change the region’s landscape. If we handle the sector with vision and focused planning, it is going to open a new era for Cyprus and Egypt.

How is the friendship between Egyptian and Cypriot Presidents recognized in Cyprus?

It has been vital for our bilateral relation that is currently witnessing its golden era. These friendly ties are touched by Cypriots. Our people are aware of the friendship between both presidents. When President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visited Cyprus, he was received warmly.

Cyprus is a very small country as I previously mentioned. Thus, strategic partnership with countries as Egypt is very welcomed by Cypriots. It will enable us to become stronger in the future.

We hope that we can pay this back to Egypt, through offering our assistance in areas where we are experienced, especially when it comes to the shipping field.