In an address at an event on the occasion of the 53rd Anniversary of Independence and of the 23rd Anniversary of Liberation of the State of Kuwait, Defence Minister Photiou also expressed Cyprus' gratitude for Kuwait’s support and principled stance on the Cyprus problem and for its financial contribution to the Committee on Missing Persons. Photiou referred to the longstanding bilateral relations, noting that "today these bonds are stronger than ever", and pointed out the recent visit by President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades to Kuwait and the agreements signed between the two countries.

He also referred to the role Cyprus could play as an EU member state in promoting stability and security, addressing regional and global challenges, providing new opportunities for dialogue, and assured that "Kuwait has, in Cyprus, a sincere friend within the EU. Furthermore, the discovery ofimportant amounts of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean, including within our Exclusive Economic Zone, has forged a new reality in the region and enhances its strategic importance, both economically and politically. The exploitation of these natural resources can serve as a catalyst for broader regional cooperation, thus contributing to peace and stability in this part of the world, and as a means to strengthening energy security and attracting investments, which could also benefit the economies of neighbouring countries", he said. Photiou also expressed Cyprus' gratitude for Kuwait’s "support and principled stance on the Cyprus problem in the framework of international organisations and for Kuwait’s support of the sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and independence of the Republic of Cyprus".

"I also wish to express our appreciation for the financial contribution of €200,000 to the Committee on Missing Persons, announced during the visit of the President of the Republic to Kuwait, last October. It is well known that this Committee provides invaluable work in alleviating the suffering of the families of the missing persons, an issue which constitutes one of the worst humanitarian consequences of the Turkish invasion of 1974. I am sure that Kuwait, having experienced a similar tragedy, can better understand the drama of the families of the missing", he added.

Source: Famagusta Gazette