Saudi Arabia to ‘spare no efforts’ to develop ties with Cyprus

New Saudi ambassador, Athens-based Essam Ibrahim Bait Almal, presented his credentials on Tuesday to President Nicos Anastasiades.

“Considering that I am the first appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom after a long absence, I have a lot to achieve,” he said, adding that the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had a great interest in its relations with the Republic of Cyprus.

“I have been instructed by the Saudi leadership to spare no efforts in order to develop these relationships to the highest levels,” he said.

He added that Saudi Arabia appreciated the positions of the government of Cyprus and its historic support of the Arab issues, especially the Palestinian issue and its commitment to resolving the issue according to the rules of justice, equality and the resolutions of the United Nations.

In his response, Anastasiades said that taking into consideration the situation in the wider Middle East and the dramatic developments in the region, cooperation was even more imperative.

In this respect, he added that he had decided to appoint a resident Cypriot ambassador to the Kingdom, “a step which reflects our desire to deepen political, economic and diplomatic ties”.

Anastasiades said Cyprus remained a destination with great potential for investments. The potential emanating from the discovery of hydrocarbons in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), had also opened new opportunities and enhanced the role that Cyprus sought to play in its greater neighbourhood, he said.

“The potential between us is considerable and has to be further explored,” Anastasiades said. He also said the recent resumption of Cyprus talks had created expectations and hopes for cooperation and joint collaboration, “through engagement in substantive negotiations, with good will and determination”.

Anastasiades said he welcomed the confidence building measures adopted so far between the two sides “and their positive impact on the everyday life of our people”. “This is an ongoing process and we do hope that we will be able to adopt more measures in the near future, including bold measures that are considered as game-changers,” he added.