Saudi Minister discusses stepping up cooperation during Cyprus visit

Ways of further strengthening cooperation in areas of common interest were discussed during the visit of Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Supply Chain, Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser, to DP World Limassol's general cargo and cruise terminal.

Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeades, and Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanoli, gave the Saudi Minister a tour of the Port of Limassol and the passenger terminal in the morning, while discussing ways to strengthen the ties between the two countries.

In statements, the Saudi Minister of Transport expressed his pleasure and satisfaction from the visit and hospitality in Cyprus, referring to a constructive meeting to find areas of possible cooperation.

"The two countries already enjoy strong ties and strong collaboration in the international community when it comes to transportation and we work together in the IMO and other international organisations," he added.

Through fruitful discussions in areas of common interest in shipping, we look forward to finalising discussions on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, he continued, referring to efforts to establish a direct air link between the two countries.

He also said that in the context of the implementation of Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" programme and the National Strategy for Logistics and Transportation, the country aims to build close partnerships and connectivity with other countries, adding that "Cyprus is a friendly country with which we enjoy a strong relationship and should be one of the potential partners to expand our relationship."

For his part, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades thanked his Saudi counterpart for his visit and his interest, saying that the delegation from Saudi Arabia was given the opportunity to learn about the services and infrastructure of the Limassol port.

In addition, he continued, during their meeting in Nicosia, they discussed issues related to postal services, common challenges and how cooperation between the two countries can help address them.

"I believe that there is a ground where we can work together, where we can improve our bilateral relations and we are really looking forward to that and we are hoping that what we have started today it will continue and we will have a chance to grow on this partnership and this cooperation and find ways of adding values to the people of both our countries," he added.

In her statements, Hadjimanoli expressed her expectation for a deepening of relations between Cyprus and Saudi Arabia on maritime issues, referring to productive discussions.

"We emphasised on various issues of mutual interest between our two countries and we have discussed finding common actions and initiatives in matters associated to maritime transport," said Hadjimanoli.

She also said that the issue of advancing the consultations for the finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed by the two sides was discussed, while she expressed her confidence that the excellent cooperation and support of the two countries in the International Maritime Organization will continue.

(Source: CNA)