UN General Assembly
2013

Africa and the Near and Middle Easts — in terms of both perception and actions — as well as a credible and stable country that gives true credence to being a safe haven. That has been demonstrated in practice several times during periods of massive humanitarian evacuations. We stand ready once more, if it is deemed necessary — and hopefully it will not be — to contribute in a substantive manner to any international call to provide humanitarian aid and facilities to the nationals of any third country. A recent and most encouraging development in our area is taking place in the field of energy cooperation. The very promising potential of hydrocarbon exploration in the Levantine basin requires that all countries in the region work closely together, bilaterally and regionally. Pertinent to that and a testament to our constructive role in the region is the fact that Cyprus has assumed a leading role in bringing neighbouring hydrocarbon-producing countries together, seeking opportunities not only for maritime boundary agreements, but also for joint efforts in exploring those