Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held talks in Nicosia on Wednesday with his Cypriot counterpart Nicos Christodoulides on means of boosting bilateral relations.

The two sides also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Hafez in a press release.

Shoukry said that his current visit to Cyprus is an important step for enhancing bilateral relations, added the spokesman.

Talks between the two sides took up political coordination and economic cooperation especially in the energy sector.

The two top diplomats discussed the three-way cooperation mechanism grouping also Greece, said the spokesman, pointing out that Shoukry expressed hope that a meeting will be held in Cairo shortly to address ways to further trilateral relations to serve the best interest of the peoples of the three countries.

The Cypriot minister welcomed Shoukry in his country and underlined Cyprus' keenness on establishing a strong strategic partnership with Egypt, added the spokesman.