“Egypt is one of our closest friends and a strategic partner” President Nicos Anastasiades said in a tweet on Friday after sharing a telephone conversation with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

“During these challenging times, the need to stay in contact is even more important. Our security, stability & prosperity are interconnected” Anastasiades said.

During their phone conversation, the two Presidents discussed how their countries are dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, highlighting that it has accentuated the need for further close cooperation and coordination between the two states.

President Anastasiades also expressed his intent to organize a flight for the repatriation of legal residents of Cyprus from Egypt in the coming days.

Anastasiades and Sisi also discussed developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as issues relating to regional security and cooperation.