President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday described Kazakhstan as a priority country for Cyprus’ foreign policy, as he prepared to depart for an official visit marking the first by a Cypriot head of state to the Central Asian country.
In a written statement, Christodoulides said that strengthening political and economic relations with Kazakhstan had long been a strategic objective. He recalled that Cyprus opened a diplomatic mission in Astana one year ago, while Kazakhstan decided during the same year to establish an embassy in Cyprus.
The President said he was travelling to Kazakhstan shortly for what he described as a historic visit, during which he would meet with the President of Kazakhstan, sign important bilateral agreements, inaugurate Cyprus’ embassy in Astana and participate in a business forum.
He added that his satisfaction was even greater as the visit would be carried out alongside members of the Council of Ministers and a large business delegation, travelling on Air Astana’s inaugural flight linking Cyprus with Kazakhstan.
According to Christodoulides, enhanced air connectivity further strengthens efforts to deepen political, economic and tourism relations with Kazakhstan, which he described as a particularly important country in Central Asia with a population exceeding 20 million.
He said Cyprus’ foreign policy was, in practice, upgrading the international standing of the Republic, while being directly linked to domestic efforts to attract quality investment, create more jobs and further strengthen the country’s economy.
He added that economic growth allows the state to pursue targeted social policies and invest in key sectors such as education, health, housing and the welfare state.
