President: Cyprus does whatever is necessary for stability and peace in the region

President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades said on Tuesday that the government does whatever is necessary, through diplomatic means, in order for international law, stability and peace in the region to prevail.

The President was speaking after signing the book of condolences for the death of the Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said, in the Embassy of Oman, in Nicosia.

Asked about developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the government’s consultations with countries from the region regarding Libya, the President said that the people see governmental actions, the various meetings taking place, the various trilateral cooperation schemes and the close cooperation Cyprus has with countries from the region.

He referred, moreover, to the government’s persistence for the EU to be present in these developments, and said that Nicosia maintains very close relations with Greece, while exerting efforts for big countries, such as the United States and Russia, to become active.

Asked about the need to establish a High Level Strategic Council between Cyprus and Greece, the President said that there is no need to take legislative measures. He added that the Memorandum of Understanding signed on Monday by the Foreign Ministers of Cyprus and Greece, in Athens, is sufficient to provide the guidelines and the frameworks for Nicosia`s close cooperation with Greece.

In his statements, President Anastasiades expressed deep sorrow for the death of the Sultan of Oman, a country with which Cyprus has friendly ties, as is the case with the rest of the Arab world.

The President of Cyprus was welcomed at the Embassy premises by Omani Ambassador to Cyprus, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Shanfari.

In his message in the book of condolences, the President wrote that he received the sad news of the demise of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, with profound sorrow and grief and called the late Sultan “a wise and moderate leader, a patriot of unique vision and a leading voice of peace, dialogue and mutual understanding.”

“Sultan Qaboos devoted His life to the development and the well-being of Oman and its people, leading the transformation of Oman into a modern and prosperous state and working tirelessly to promote peace and stability in the region and beyond” the President added.

He went on to say that under his inspiring and visionary leadership, Oman has emerged as a peaceful and progressive country, earning the respect of the Omani people and the whole world.

The President extended finally, on behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of Cyprus, condolences to the Royal Family, the government and the people of the Sultanate of Oman.