Bahrain and Cyprus are set to deepen bilateral ties with the official inauguration of the Mediterranean island’s embassy in the country, during Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides’ trip to the kingdom.
Mr Christodoulides’ visit on January 25 will be his first to Bahrain since Cyprus assumed the presidency of the European Union Council.
Cypriot ambassador Dr Andreas Eliades announced this during a media roundtable yesterday at the new embassy premises, located at the United Tower in Bahrain Bay.
Mr Christodoulides
“We will officially inaugurate the embassy at the end of this month during the visit of our President to Bahrain,” Dr Eliades told reporters. “This is particularly significant as it coincides with both Cyprus holding the EU presidency and Bahrain chairing the GCC.
“So, it is an ideal occasion where the two chairmanships of these important regional blocs come together to discuss how to advance the strategic partnership.”
During the media gathering, Dr Eliades noted that the upcoming visit of Mr Christodoulides will elevate bilateral partnerships with Bahrain, focusing on higher education, trade and mutually beneficial investments.
He also revealed that a business forum would be organised on the sidelines of the visit to boost trade and investment ties.
“We see Bahrain as a gateway to the GCC and want to promote Cyprus as a gateway for the EU,” he added. “We value the partnership we have with Bahrain, both as the current GCC chair and as a member of the UN Security Council.
“Our two countries can lead a forward-looking and constructive discussion on preparing for the next EU-GCC summit.”
Bahrain and Cyprus have long-standing bilateral ties, especially since 1974, when the Turkish invasion of Cyprus led to a migration of Cypriots to the GCC, including Bahrain.
Although the Cypriot population in Bahrain has since dwindled and currently stands at approximately 150, Dr Eliades noted that there was renewed interest, especially amongst young families, to relocate to the GCC.
“After the Turkish invasion in 1974, thousands of Cypriots left and many found a second home in the Gulf, including Bahrain,” he explained. “In Bahrain, we used to have 5,000 Cypriots, with many contributing to industries like construction and engineering. Now, the Cypriot community in Bahrain is smaller – about 100 to 150 people – but remains dynamic and integrated into society, culture and business.
“We appreciate the understanding and support from countries like Bahrain for Cyprus’ issues with sovereignty and territorial integrity. There’s a shared sensitivity to these challenges due to similar regional threats.”
The ambassador also highlighted the direct flight route between Bahrain and Larnaca, the capital of Cyprus, which operates up to four-times-a-week. “The direct air route from Bahrain to Larnaca is among our longest-running – nearly 50 years!” he added.
“Bahrain was one of the first countries we signed an air services agreement with and we are ready to support Gulf Air if it wants to expand its network through Cyprus or use Cyprus as a regional hub.”
When discussing potential areas for expanded collaboration, Dr Eliades highlighted higher education as a successful facet of the Bahrain-Cyprus bilateral ties.
He noted that 40 scholarships are currently offered to Bahraini students, who wish to study at universities in Cyprus, adding that ‘more could be done’ given the kingdom’s eligibility for Erasmus and Horizon Europe – key research and education programmes funded by the EU.
Digital innovation, combating climate change and water security were also floated as potential areas of collaboration.
“Water security is another area of mutual interest for our Gulf partners, particularly Bahrain,” he explained.
“Like Bahrain, Cyprus faces water scarcity and climate challenges. We hope to see closer collaboration between the EU and the GCC on water security, which has broader implications for regional security.”
naman@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))