The fourth trilateral summit between Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt will take place in Cairo on Tuesday with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to hold talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Anastasiades arrived at the Egyptian capital late on Monday, accompanied by Cyprus' Foreign Affairs Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, Energy Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, Transport Minister Marios Demetriades, Agriculture Minister Nikos Kouyialis, and Government Spokesperson Nikos Christodoulides. According to CNA English, issues concerning agriculture, energy, sea transportation and tourism will be discussed during the talks, in addition to immigration, terrorism and regional affairs. Anastasiades, Tsipras and al-Sisi are also expected to discuss the Cyprus Problem and especially assistance Egypt provides to Cyprus at the Islamic Conference. CNA English also reported that al-Sisi is expected to visit Cyprus within the next two months. NATURAL GAS PIPELINE According to CNA English, Anastasiades and al-Sisi are expected to sign, before the year's end, a final agreement on the construction of a pipeline to export natural gas from Cyprus to Egypt, with this deal due to come into effect in 2020. Two joint declarations are also expected to be signed between the three countries on issues concerning environmental protection, sea transport and recreation cruises. Common tourist packages for the US and China markets are also on the agenda at the trilateral summit. BILATERAL LEVEL On a bilateral level, CNA English reported that Cyprus is considering a "very significant" appointment for a permanent Military Attaché at the Nicosia-based Egypt Embassy. On Tuesday morning, Anastasiades is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with al-Sisi at the Presidential Palace. After the bilateral contacts, the three leaders are expected to plant three olive trees within the Presidential Palace's garden, as a token of the friendship and cooperation among the three countries. The Egyptian President will host a lunch to honour Anastasiades and Tsipras after the trilateral summit. Anastasiades and his entourage are expected to return to Cyprus on Wednesday morning. Source: SigmaLive
