Cyprus and Oman agree to speed up procedures to conclude drafting of interstate agreements

Cyprus and Oman have agreed to speed up procedures to conclude drafting of interstate agreements that are under negotiation and to intensify contacts at various levels.

The decision was taken after talks between Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides and Oman`s Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah.  Christodoulides is in Oman on an official visit at the invitation of Abdullah.

An official press release said that the two ministers held private discussions followed by talks with delegations from both countries. They reviewed bilateral relations, ascertaining the excellent level of cooperation, the two countries’ common approach on a number of regional and international issues of common interest, as well as the dedication to finding solutions to issues that are troubling the region through dialogue and a positive agenda.

The two sides agreed to speed up procedures to draft a number of interstate agreements that are under negotiation and to intensify contacts at various levels including arranging a new round of political discussions based on the existing memorandum between the two ministries.

The Cypriot minister briefed his counterpart on the three pillars of the Republic of Cyprus’ external policy, with emphasis to agree on regional cooperation among the states of the wider Middle East region. At the same time, they agreed to strengthen the relations of Oman and those of the countries of the region with the EU. He invited Oman to take part in the multinational exercises under the name “Nemesis” and Argonaftis”, that are held annually by the Republic of Cyprus.

Christodoulides conveyed the President of the Republic’s greetings to the Sultan of Oman as well as an invitation to visit Cyprus.

Earlier, the Minister met with the with the Minister of the Royal Office Sultan bin Mohammed al-Nu’amani with whom they exchanged views on the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation on a regional level in the fields of security and the two countries’ intelligence departments, acknowledging that challenges are common.

The Cypriot Minister’s visit concludes on Thursday.