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Thank you my dear Analena for
the invitation to visit Berlin, the warm hospitality and the extremely useful
exchange between us.
Our meeting today takes place
only a few weeks after the visit of the President of the Republic to Berlin
and the contacts he had with the President and Federal Chancellor of Germany.
This is practical proof of the
importance that our countries attach to the deepening of bilateral relations
and the political dialogue between us.
At this critical international
juncture precisely, at a time when the foundations of international relations
and our value system are being shaken, it is necessary to hold a targeted and
meaningful dialogue at the bilateral and multilateral level.
We had the opportunity to
discuss a wide range of issues related to bilateral relations and to consider
ways to further deepen cooperation in various fields. Especially in the fields
of defence and security, Cyprus and Germany have recently signed the first
cooperation protocol, which lays the foundations for the creation of a
mutually beneficial relationship.
We also discussed ways to
strengthen coordination within the EU, and particularly in the European
decision-making process.
We exchanged views on the
situation in Ukraine following the Russian invasion, assessing the EU's
coordinated response, but also the complications created at global level in
the area of energy supply and, the food crisis.
In this context, I reiterated
the need to preserve the unity of the EU, but also the importance of
continuing our support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial
integrity of all states, without exception.
With regard to immigration, I
thanked Germany for its constructive approach to efforts to find European
solutions, but also for our bilateral cooperation and the assistance provided
to Cyprus through EASO.
I would now like to refer to
the efforts we are making to keep the prospect of the reunification of Cyprus
alive.
The creation of conditions
conducive to the resumption of negotiations for the settlement of the Cyprus
Problem on the basis of the UN resolutions was and remains our absolute
political priority.
I informed Minister Baerbock on
the efforts we made to regain the lost trust between the two sides as well as
about the need for a new initiative by the UN Secretary- General.
Unfortunately, all efforts are
blocked by Turkey and the Turkish-Cypriot leadership, who have prioritized
upgrading the separatist entity in the occupied territories and securing
equal international status.
I also informed about Turkey's
provocations against the Republic of Cyprus in Varosha and the buffer zone,
which are aimed at trying to create new faits accomplis. I personally thanked
Minister Baerbock for Germany's support in the goal of the reunification of
Cyprus as well as the efforts to prevent illegal Turkish actions.
In closing, I would like to
thank you once again, dear colleague, for this very fruitful meeting, which
gave us the opportunity to confirm our common will to further promote the
friendship and cooperation between Cyprus and Germany.
I wish you all the best for the
new year, health, safety and prosperity in all the world.
(MH)
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