Cyprus has reinforced its control capabilities at ports and airports, in cooperation with Europol and Interpol, and is cooperating effectively in the exchange of information with many countries in the region, said Alexandros Zenon, the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Ministry.
According to an official announcement, Zenon noted that this resulted in the apprehension of a number of potential foreign fighters, who were returned to their countries of origin.
Addressing an extraordinary meeting of the Global Counter-terrorism Forum (GCTF) and of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, in The Hague, he said the recruitment of foreign fighters by ISIL poses a number of dangers and threats to the security of the countries, from which they originate.
He added that more ways of cooperation and coordination between the countries involved were necessary.
Zenon highlighted the importance of creating an international protection framework for antiquities from the Middle East, which are frequently subjected to illicit trafficking.
The meeting in The Netherlands is attended by countries and organisations that are part of the global anti-ISIL and anti-terrorism coalition.
Cyprus was invited to participate, due to its contribution and the role it plays in the Easter Mediterranean region.
CNA/AAG/AGK/MM/2015
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY