Filenews 7 October 2022
Agreement for a financial contribution of €1 million from the Czech Republic to Cyprus, to manage the increased migration flows, was signed on Friday by the Minister of Interior, Nikos Nouris, and the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the Czech Republic, Vit Rakusan, on the sidelines of the Meeting of the Ministers of Interior and Migration of the five Mediterranean EU member states (MED5).
The Summit, whose work officially begins tonight and concludes on Saturday, focuses on the issue of managing migration flows, which mainly affect frontline member states in the EU. The agreement between Cyprus and the Czech Republic was signed on Friday afternoon at the Anassa Hotel in the Pafos district, where the work of the Summit is also taking place.
During the signing of the agreement, Mr. Nouris pointed out that the practical financial support of the Czech Republic to the Republic of Cyprus shows "the solidarity that is gradually being consolidated between the member states in the management of migration and especially with the frontline member states, which bear the greatest burden of the problem". He added that the awareness of states and bodies that come to the aid of Cyprus' efforts to manage migration is the result of the mobilization of the Ministry of Interior to inform European partners.
The Minister of Interior explained that this support fund of €1 million will be made available to finance voluntary returns of rejected migrants. He noted that in this way Cyprus comes closer to the goal set since the beginning of the year, for the return of almost 5,000 people to their countries of origin. He added that the possibility of further support for the Republic of Cyprus in the coming years remains open.
In closing, Mr. Nouris expressed his gratitude and gratitude to the Czech Republic and Mr. Rakousan, pointing out that the Czech Republic's contribution to Cyprus comes at a time when it faces the greatest migratory challenges, while at the same time Europe is plagued by the crisis and the economic hardship caused by the war in Ukraine.
Taking the floor, Mr. Rakusan said that Europe is facing a series of crises, noting that migration is a common problem, not only for Cyprus, but also for Central Europe. In the Czech Republic, he continued, there are more than 400,000 refugees from Ukraine, which corresponds to 0.8% of the population, he noted.
The number of illegal immigrants through the Czech Republic is higher than before, the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Czech Government added, noting that "we can understand the situation in which you find yourself very well."
To deal with these crises in Europe we need to know what solidarity is, he continued.
He referred to the financial assistance from the Czech Republic to Cyprus, noting that "it is a sign of solidarity" and proof that the situation faced by other countries is known in the EU.
According to Mr. Rakusan, this contribution can help Cyprus in its policy of returning migrants, which he described as "important for your country, for your future".
After the signing of the agreement, Mr. Nouris is expected to inaugurate the photo exhibition "On the line", with photographic material of the Press and Information Office from the Green Line. An official dinner will follow in the presence of the President of the Parliament, Annita Demetriou.
CNA
