Nicosia: President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides awarded former minister of foreign affairs Sameh Shoukry the Order of Makarios III in recognition of his efforts for cementing Egyptian-Cypriot relations since he assumed his duties as foreign minister.According to State Information Service Egypt, during the awarding ceremony at the Presidential Palace of Cyprus, Christodoulides voiced his deep appreciation for Shoukry's strenuous efforts to enhance bilateral relations at all levels, which reflects the deep-rooted relations binding both countries.Meanwhile, the former Egyptian top diplomat thanked the State of Cyprus for this gesture, wishing the two countries further progress and prosperity.In the presence of Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, members of the Cypriot diplomatic corps, and former ambassadors of Cyprus to Egypt, Shoukry delivered a lecture at the Academy of Diplomacy in Nicosia, where he reviewed the progress made in bilateral relations, as well as his views on recent developme nts in the Middle East.Earlier today, Shoukry started his visit to the Cypriot capital, at the invitation of the government of Cyprus, to receive the highest merit honor awarded in Cyprus. The award is named after Makarios III, the first president of the Republic of Cyprus. It is conferred upon heads of state and other people of significant status in recognition of meritorious service to the nation.