Page 53 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - JUNE 2025

Press Release

mutual understanding and fruitful cooperation, marked by continuous development across all
strategic sectors, particularly economic and investment ones.

The meeting explored opportunities to expand support mechanisms for UAE companies operating
in Cyprus, facilitating their growth in the market. It also emphasized the potential for Cypriot
exporters to leverage the UAE’s strategic position as a global business and investment hub.
Furthermore, the UAE’s extensive network of regional and international economic partnerships
and trade agreements offers significant advantages for export and import activities, creating
mutually beneficial opportunities for both nations.

The Minister of Economy also met with H.E. Dr. Konstantinos Kombos, Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Cyprus, to explore avenues for deepening bilateral economic cooperation in key areas
of mutual interest. H.E. Bin Touq reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to fostering stronger
economic ties with Cyprus, particularly in future-oriented sectors such as energy, renewable
energy, and industry. Both sides emphasized the potential for collaboration in sustainable
economic projects and underscored the value of knowledge exchange and best practices to drive
mutual growth.

During a separate meeting with H.E. Kostas Koumis, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of
Cyprus, H.E. Bin Touq elaborated on the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, outlining its comprehensive
framework to enhance the country’s appeal as a premier destination for international travelers and
investors alike. The strategy aims to position the UAE as the world’s leading tourism hub by 2031,
driving growth across tourism, hospitality, and related investment sectors. H.E. also highlighted
how the initiative will reinforce the UAE’s status as a global frontrunner in tourism innovation and
destination development.

In addition, the two ministers discussed potential joint tourism initiatives in both markets and the
broader Eastern Mediterranean region. Emphasis was placed on launching innovative programs in
sustainable and green tourism to further stimulate bilateral tourism exchange.

Finally, H.E. Bin Touq’s meeting with H.E. Olga Kefalogianni, Greek Minister of Tourism,
discussed the strengthening of bilateral tourism cooperation across multiple sectors. The
discussions focused on three key areas: sharing expertise in smart tourism infrastructure,
promoting sustainable environmental practices, and developing joint programs to increase tourism
exchanges between both countries. H.E. Bin Touq highlighted the meeting's significance as a key
milestone in advancing UAE-Greek tourism relations, building further on the two countries'
growing economic partnership.

Tourism collaboration between the UAE and Greece continues to witness significant growth, as
reflected in the latest visitor statistics. In 2024, the UAE welcomed 20,452 Greek visitors, marking
a 25 per cent increase compared to 16,366 visitors in 2023. This positive momentum is further