The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is one of the "most ambitious" modern connectivity initiatives, says Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Cyprus, Fawaz bin Abdulrahman Alshubaili, while underlining that Cyprus, due to its important geographical position, can connect the Middle East and Europe and become a regional hub.
The tension and conflicts that prevail in the region raise questions about how necessary infrastructure will be shielded
The Trump plan for Gaza is an important step that paves the way for a comprehensive and fair solution, while the 6-point proposal of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, can significantly contribute to the implementation of the next phase of the Agreement reached at the Sharm El Sheikh Summit.
About the agreement, which was reached last October?
It is my hope that this move will contribute to urgent action to alleviate the humanitarian drama of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, as well as to the complete withdrawal of Israel, the restoration of security and stability, and the initiation of practical steps to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.
What does it presuppose?
It includes the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative and the New York Declaration, which outlines a peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution.
President Christodoulides' 6-point proposal for Gaza?
It can significantly contribute to the implementation of the next phase of the Agreement reached at the Sharm El Sheikh Summit.
Your country has a very clear position regarding relations with Israel.
Normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel cannot happen before the establishment of a Palestinian state. A Palestinian state is a prerequisite for regional integration. The Kingdom's position remains firm on this issue and is based on a strong belief in the right of the Palestinian people to exist in dignity and freedom.
A two-state solution?
The creation of the Palestinian state and the two-state solution will lead to a regional integration based on security, stability and shared prosperity.
Regarding efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two countries?
The signing of a general agreement between Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Cyprus on the sidelines of the high-level week of the General Assembly in New York, a few months ago, reflects the will and expectations of the leadership of the two countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Another step towards strengthening the partnership and cooperation between the two countries in all fields
Through a joint governmental competent committee, which will discuss aspects and areas of cooperation in the fields of economic activity, investment, trade, science and education. Encouraging exchange of knowledge and expertise at the technical level for specific cooperation programs through mutual visits between researchers and technicians from the two countries and participation in scientific seminars and conferences will definitely strengthen people-to-people ties, he further notes.
Will boosting trade also open up new horizons for cooperation?
The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Saudi Exim Bank and the Bank of Cyprus will increase mutual cooperation", he adds, while noting that the investment projects are another way to strengthen the cooperation between the two peoples.
As for tourism?
It is definitely the best way to connect on a human level” and this will be achieved through the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation in the Tourism Sector, which was recently signed in Riyadh.
The possibilities for greater economic cooperation and the prospects of IMEC?
Both countries have economic advantages and natural resources, as well as important geographical location. Therefore, it is important to use these advantages to achieve the goals of both countries to increase the volume of trade and enhance investment through national companies in both countries.
As for the IMEC corridor, it is one of the most ambitious modern connectivity initiatives. There is no doubt that the Republic of Cyprus has an important geographical position that can connect the Middle East and Europe and could become a regional hub for managing administrative and operational issues, taking advantage of its experience in this area and its participation in the EU. However, the fact that the wider Middle East remains an area of high tension and conflict raises questions as to whether and how the necessary infrastructure will be shielded.
Regarding the efforts to settle the Cyprus issue?
Negotiations will resume soon. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia maintains a principled position on the Cyprus issue, based on the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means and dialogue in accordance with the rules of international law and the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. Negotiations on the Cyprus problem should be restarted as soon as possible to reach a sustainable solution that ensures stability and prosperity for the people of Cyprus.
