Press Releases

I stand before you today with great honour as we open the very first Committee meeting that has resulted from the Memorandum of Understanding for Public Health and Medical Science previously signed between Cyprus and Egypt in the presence of the Presidents of the two countries, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, and Abdel Fattah Al Sisi. This meeting marks an important milestone in the long history and friendship of the two countries and further solidifies the excellent relationships and political cooperation between them. 

The strong ties between Egypt and Cyprus have led to many advancements in numerous fields, especially recently in the field of energy, whilst this Committee is focused in the area of public health and medical science, an equally important area. 

I am confident that our dedicated cooperation is destined to lead to further and stronger collaboration between the pharmaceutical industries of the two countries, enhancing and facilitating trade, promoting synergies and cooperation between all enterprises in Cyprus and Egypt and the creation of projects in the area of pharmaceuticals. 

Furthermore, the strong ties between our countries allows for the growth of the medical tourism market and our political mutual understanding and respect allows for giant leaps of progress. The vision of both countries is shared. The bond is a friendship that provides an excellent platform for both Egypt and Cyprus to work together for the common good and to push forward major advancements in pharmaceuticals, to continue to dynamically share expertise and best practices in pharmaceuticals, with both regulators working closely together, with harmonised high standards in the field of pharmaceuticals in both countries.

During the meeting this week, both the Cypriot and Egyptian delegations will discuss and exchange information concerning pharmaceutical regulation in Egypt as well as in Cyprus and the EU. The two largest pharmaceutical manufacturers in Cyprus, Medochemie and Remedica, will also graciously provide the delegates with tours of their state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities here in Cyprus and provide an overview of their activities within the EU and internationally to the delegates. This is just the beginning, and many more meetings will follow, where matters of facilitation of trade, medical tourism, exchange of expertise and information and any other matters that may arise, will be discussed and progressed.

At this point, may I formally welcome you all here to Cyprus for this inaugural meeting of the Committee under the Memorandum of Understanding on Public Health and Medical Science and wish you an enjoyable visit and a very productive meeting.

(MKY)