Cyprus FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Will Cooperate with Riyadh to Bolster Regional Security

Foreign Minister of Cyprus Ioannis Kasoulidis. (Getty Images)
Foreign Minister of Cyprus Ioannis Kasoulidis. (Getty Images)
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Cyprus FM to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Will Cooperate with Riyadh to Bolster Regional Security

Foreign Minister of Cyprus Ioannis Kasoulidis. (Getty Images)
Foreign Minister of Cyprus Ioannis Kasoulidis. (Getty Images)

Foreign Minister of Cyprus Ioannis Kasoulidis stated on Sunday that his country has succeeded in forming “excellent” ties with all of its neighbors, including the Arab world.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that Cyprus looks forward to “bolstering cooperation with Saudi Arabia in order to achieve security and stability in the region.”

He made his remarks on the eve of Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades’ scheduled visit to the Kingdom.

“Bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia have taken an important step forward after Riyadh appointed its Athens ambassador as the charge d’affaires in Nicosia,” continued Kasoulidis.

This was followed by Cyprus opening an embassy in the Saudi capital.

The minister hoped that the Kingdom would soon reciprocate and open a mission in Nicosia.

“I believe there are great opportunities for cooperation between us in many fields, such as economy, business and tourism,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“Our visit to Saudi Arabia is a continuation of our foreign policy in the region,” he added.

“Saudi Arabia is an important country and a leader in the Arab and Muslim worlds and King Salman is Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,” he remarked.

In addition, Kasoulidis said that Riyadh could play a role in reuniting the divided parts of Cyprus.

“Many people believe that the problem lies between the Cypriot people. We are prepared to share the country with the Turkish-Cypriot population within a Cypriot union,” he said.

This would pave the way for reconciliation between the Christian Cypriot Greeks and Muslim Cypriot Turks, he explained.

“The main problem that will remain is Turkey, which is still following a strange policy towards the Arab world,” he said.

“We believe that withdrawal of Turkish forces is essential to resolving the problem. This is where Saudi Arabia can play a role seeing as Ankara is trying to bolster its friendship with Riyadh,” said the minister.

“There is a role that Saudi Arabia must play,” he stressed.



Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council Holds 1st Meeting, Riyadh Designated as Permanent HQ

Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA
Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA
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Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council Holds 1st Meeting, Riyadh Designated as Permanent HQ

Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA
Officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states who attended the meeting in Riyadh. SPA

Saudi Arabia has signed a headquarters agreement with the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, under which the council will designate the city of Riyadh as its permanent headquarters.

The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the first regular session of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, which was held on Monday in the Saudi capital, also includes the council’s affiliated bodies, including the general secretariat and the executive office.

Saudi Arabia, represented by the Governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, Eng. Majed bin Mohammed Al-Mazyed, chaired the first regular session of the council.

The session was attended by officials responsible for cybersecurity in the Arab League member states and the Secretary-General of the organization, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

In his opening statement, Al-Mazyed affirmed that the Kingdom's initiative to propose the establishment of the Arab Cybersecurity Ministers Council stems from its firm and fundamental principle of preserving Arab collective security.

The council was established based on a proposal put forward by Saudi Arabia to comprise Arab ministers responsible for cyber security affairs. It falls within the scope of the Arab League and operates under the umbrella of the league’s council. The council’s tasks include formulating general policies, developing strategies, and setting priorities to enhance joint Arab cybersecurity work.
The council also addresses all cybersecurity issues and developments related to security, economic, developmental, and legislative aspects. It is responsible for approving joint Arab cybersecurity plans for implementing the endorsed policies and strategies.

The Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers also approved Monday the appointment of Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Furaih as the council's secretary-general for a five-year term.