Emir of Qatar’s visit to Cyprus constitutes a strategic step in further developing as well as diversifying our strong bilateral ties, President Christodoulides said during an official lunch he hosted Tuesday for Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the Presidential Palace.

They previously had a private meeting followed by consultations between the delegations of the two countries.

In his toast the President welcomed the Emir to Cyprus, noting that this is a unique honour to reciprocate the warm and exceptional hospitality that he has afforded to his delegation and himself, during his official visit to Doha last November.

“Cyprus and Qatar are linked by geography and are part of the same neighbourhood. We are both advocates of diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation and we respond to the challenges in our region by striving to foster stability, peace and security”, the President noted.

He said that his visit is the first by a leader of a Gulf country to Cyprus since he was elected to the Presidency and his first ever visit to the island.

”In welcoming Your Highness once again to Cyprus, I am confident that today we begin writing the next chapter in the very promising Qatar-Cyprus relations. For the benefit of our countries, for the benefit of our peoples and for the benefit of our region”, the President said.

The Emir and his delegation are departing Cyprus later today.