Manama: His Excellency Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, recently visited the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) as part of an effort to enhance economic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Cyprus. The visit was attended by Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce and Head of the Mission of Honour, among other dignitaries.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the President was welcomed by Sameer bin Abdulla Nass, BCCI Chairman, along with members of the Chamber and other officials. Discussions during the visit focused on fostering economic cooperation through a sustainable framework that prioritizes trade and investment, aiming to open new partnership avenues for the business communities of both nations.
The discussions underscored the potential for expanding trade, increasing reciprocal investments, and exchanging expertise in strategic sectors. Emphasis was placed on leveraging Bahrain's attractive investment climate and supportive environment to establish long-term partnerships. Both parties recognized the importance of creating high-value investment opportunities for the private sectors, reflecting their commitment to advancing growth and prosperity.
A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between BCCI and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This agreement, signed by Sameer bin Abdullah Nass for Bahrain and Stavros Stavrou for Cyprus, aims to strengthen economic partnerships, promote investment, and encourage trade activity and sustainable economic growth.
The Bahrain-Cyprus Business Forum held during the visit further highlighted the growing economic momentum, exploring mechanisms to advance trade in line with both nations' economic strategies. The forum showcased high-value investment opportunities to support economic growth and shared development objectives.
HE the President expressed pride in the developing relations between Bahrain and Cyprus, emphasizing his commitment to expanding cooperation in economic and industrial sectors. He praised BCCI's role in promoting Bahrain as a business hub and highlighted Cyprus as a stable European investment platform offering access to the EU single market and eurozone.
Minister Fakhro pointed out the historical ties and shared interests between Bahrain and Cyprus, noting their strategic positions as gateways to Gulf and European markets. He highlighted the active role of the Cypriot private sector in various industries and reiterated the Bahraini government's support for trade and investment partnerships.
BCCI Chairman Sameer bin Abdulla Nass noted the visit as a milestone in bilateral relations, emphasizing the Chamber's pride in fostering economic cooperation. He highlighted the diversity of businesses at the forum and the strategic platform it provided for exploring investment opportunities.
Stavros Stavrou, President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the complementary economic strengths of both countries, mentioning sectors such as finance, renewable energy, and shipping as areas for collaboration.
BCCI First Vice-Chairman Khalid Mohammed Najibi highlighted Cyprus' prominence in maritime shipping and other sectors, noting opportunities for partnerships with Bahraini companies. BCCI Second Vice-Chairman Mohammed Abduljabbar Al Kooheji underscored Bahrain's commitment to cooperation with Cyprus, emphasizing the importance of reciprocal visits and collaboration to boost trade and expand joint opportunities.