The
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Ioannis Kasoulides, participated in
the ministerial meeting of the Asia - Europe Meeting (ASEM), which
took place between 11-12 November, in New Delhi.
The
agenda of the ministerial meeting of ASEM, included, inter alia,
issues of economic cooperation and sustainable development between
the countries of Europe and Asia, matters related to international
security and global threats, with particular emphasis on the wider
efforts to combat terrorism and cyber threats. The Ministers also
discussed other regional issues.
In
his keynote speech, the Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed Cyprus’
views and positions on issues related to counter terrorism, as well
as water and energy security. In the context of the discussions on
regional issues, Minister Kasoulides referred to the developments in
Syria. He welcomed the Security Council Resolution 2118 and the
international efforts to destroy Syria’s chemical weapons. He
expressed hope that a political solution to the crisis will be
reached. Referring to Iran, Minister Kasoulides welcomed the ongoing
contacts and initiatives of the High Representative of the EU,
describing them as a positive step in the right direction.
On
the sidelines of ASEM, Mr Kasoulides held separate bilateral meetings
with his counterparts from India, Mr Salman Khurshid, Bangladesh, Ms
Dipu Moni and the Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, Mr
Thant Kyaw, and Thailand, Mr Jullapong Nonsrichai.
On
the evening of November 12, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will
depart for Sri Lanka, where he will participate in the meeting of the
Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth, to be held in
Colombo, between 13-15 November.
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