Manama: Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, affirmed the depth of the longstanding bilateral relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the Kingdom of Bahrain, noting their steady development based on shared visions aimed at promoting regional stability, upholding the international legal order, and strengthening multilateral cooperation. He expressed his appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for their continued support in advancing and strengthening relations between the two friendly countries.
According to Bahrain News Agency, in an interview conducted on the occasion of his official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, President Christodoulides praised His Majesty the King's leadership, which has contributed to consolidating Bahrain's position as a key platform for cooperation and dialogue at both regional and international levels. He noted that Cyprus and Bahrain share common attributes as strategically located financial centres, with extensive experience in financial services, alongside a rapidly expanding ecosystem of financial technology companies and innovative products. He underscored Cyprus's strong interest in continued consultation and coordination with Bahrain, particularly in light of the Kingdom's current non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.
Cyprus and Bahrain share a unique perspective grounded in their common characteristics as island states, their strong people-to-people ties, and their mutual commitment to working alongside other like-minded partners to address global and regional challenges. This shared perspective is firmly rooted in their respect for international law and fundamental values, adherence to the rules-based international order, and the recognition of the significance of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Cyprus assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 January for a period of six months. Further deepening of the EU's strategic partnership with the Gulf countries features prominently among the main priorities of the Cypriot Presidency and its work programme. President Christodoulides firmly believes that such an approach constitutes a necessity and a matter of mutual benefit for both sides.
Cyprus offers particular advantages through its role as an EU gateway, enabling companies to establish offices or legal entities that provide access to the European Single Market. This is complemented by Cyprus's extensive network of bilateral free trade agreements and double taxation avoidance treaties, which together create a framework that supports cross-border activity and long-term commercial planning.
Cyprus and Bahrain share a closely aligned approach and convergent positions in support of efforts to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East, as well as in addressing regional security challenges. Their engagement and consultations are highly valued, particularly at a time when Bahrain serves as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Maritime security remains a matter of concern for both island states.
President Christodoulides expressed his appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for their support in advancing bilateral relations. He also expressed gratitude for the Kingdom's support for the Cypriot diaspora in Bahrain and looked forward to further deepening and expanding cooperation to the mutual benefit of both countries.
Source: Bahrain News Agency