DFA Secretary Manalo Fosters Closer Ties Between PH and Cyprus During Landmark Visit
Secretary Manalo is welcomed to the Cyprus Foreign Ministry by Cypriot Foreign Minister Kombos.
NICOSIA 02 July 2024 – Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines Enrique A. Manalo traveled to Cyprus on 21-23 June 2024, upon the invitation of Cypriot Foreign Minister Dr. Constantinos Kombos.
The historic visit was the first to Cyprus for a Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs. It is an auspicious event, as the Philippines and Cyprus prepare to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of their bilateral relations, in 2025. Secretary Manalo took the opportunity to engage with some of the highest officials of Cyprus, the Cypriot President, the Cypriot President of the Parliament, and the Cypriot Foreign Minister, to discuss ways to elevate Philippines-Cyprus cooperation, and increase collaborations between both countries.
Secretary Manalo first met Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, where they discussed opportunities for both countries to work together, in the lead-up to the 45th anniversary celebration of Philippines-Cyprus ties, in 2025.
Secretary Manalo then had fruitful discussions with Cypriot Foreign Minister Kombos, where they identified maritime cooperation, trade and investments, education and cultural cooperation as priority areas for collaboration. They discussed specific initiatives, such as a possible capacity-building exchange program for Philippine port and border officials at the Cyprus Center for Land, Open-Seas and Port Security (CYCLOPS). They also exchanged updates on proposed agreements currently under review by both sides, in areas such as higher education, and youth and sports. In addition, both officials exchanged views on pressing regional and international issues, such as the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea, cooperation with the EU, and developments in both Ukraine and Gaza.
In his remarks to the press following their meeting, Secretary Manalo noted the rich maritime history shared by the Philippines and Cyprus, and how this served as a foundation for their shared interest in a rules-based global order and international law, especially UNCLOS, to promote peace and stability. Cypriot Foreign Minister Kombos, in his statement, also noted that both countries shared core values - of democracy, and respect for international law and the Law of the Sea.
Secretary Manalo also met with President of the Cyprus Parliament Annita Demetriou, where they discussed expanding parliamentary exchanges between both countries, through visits of lawmakers.
Later in the afternoon, Secretary Manalo inaugurated the newly-renovated Philippine Honorary Consulate in Nicosia, Cyprus. He conveyed to the Filipino community in Cyprus that his visit to the country highlighted the importance the Philippines places in providing essential services to Filipinos overseas. He also thanked the Philippine Embassy in Athens and the Philippine Honorary Consul in Nicosia Kriton Tornaritis for their work for the Filipino community.
Secretary Manalo also visited Larnaca Port, the Cyprus Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC), and the Cyprus Center for Land, Open-Seas and Port Security (CYCLOPS). Officials at these facilities showed him the latest technology and techniques for maritime and port security, as well as Cypriot programs to assist humanitarian aid for Gaza. END
Secretary Manalo meets with Cypriot President Christodoulides, with Cypriot Foreign Minister Kombos also in attendance.
Secretary Manalo meets with Cyprus Parliamentary President Demetriou, and is shown around the Cypriot Parliament.
Secretary Manalo is shown around the Larnaca Port, the Cyprus Joint Rescue Coordination Center, and the Cyprus Center for Land, Open-Seas and Port Security (CYCLOPS).