President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi arrived in the Cypriot capital of Nicosia, on Wednesday to attend the 8th Tripartite Summit with the chiefs of state of Cyprus and Greece, to discuss the growing bilateral relations between the two countries. The 8th tripartite summit is held amid tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean region over Ankara's hunt for gas in the region in violation of the territorial waters of Greece and Cyprus, two close allies of Egypt. The Egyptian president hailed the growing bilateral relations between Cairo and Nicosia, and the Cypriot support of Egypt at regional and international forums and organisations. On the summit's agenda is the continuing Turkish aggressiveness regarding explorations within Cyprus' exclusive economic zone and the decision to open the coastal front of Famagusta in violation of UN resolutions. The Cyprus issue will also be a main topic. Sentonas said President Nicos Anastasiades will refer to the latest developments and express his readiness and determination to respond immediately to a fresh initiative by the UN Secretary General for a Cyprus settlement. A joint declaration will be adopted, expressing the views of Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt.
