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Statements
by the President of the Republic and the President of Iraq |
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The official visit of the
President of Iraq to Cyprus could lay the foundation for the further
consolidation of a new era in bilateral relations between Cyprus and Iraq, as
stated today by the Presidents of the two states. In his statements to the Media, at the Presidential Palace, following a tête-à-tête meeting with the President of Iraq and extended talks with the participation of their respective delegations, the President of the Republic, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, said: “I am very pleased to have the opportunity today to welcome the President of Iraq to Cyprus, especially so soon after assuming my duties. Today marks the first official
visit of an Iraqi President to Cyprus, thus holding significant symbolic and
substantial importance. It is an indication of our common will to work for
the strengthening of our bilateral relations, as well as for the development
of our cooperation on regional and international level. During today’s meeting, I
briefed President Rashid on the Cyprus problem and my unwavering commitment
to resume negotiations as soon as possible, aiming for the reunification of
Cyprus through a solution in line with international law, relevant United Nations
resolutions, and European law, principles, and values. Cyprus and Iraq are two
countries that attach great importance to upholding international law,
respecting territorial integrity, unity, and sovereignty of states. I want to
publicly express my gratitude for Iraq's longstanding principled stance on
the Cyprus problem, including the country's stance within the Organisation of
Islamic Cooperation. I also want to reiterate
publicly the full support of the Republic of Cyprus for Iraq’s unity,
territorial integrity, and sovereignty. Frequent violations of these
fundamental principles not only constitute blatant violation of international
law but also provoke regional instability. During our meeting with the
President of Iraq, we also reviewed the prospects for expanding our bilateral
relations. Among other things, we discussed the need to enhance our
cooperation, particularly in economic matters and the promotion of
investments. I hope that soon, during the Foreign Minister's visit to Iraq in
early 2024, we will be able to sign the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double
Taxation, which will boost our economic and investment relations. We also agreed that there is
common ground to promote cooperation in education, culture, and the
protection of our cultural heritage, such as the repatriation of stolen
cultural treasures. Our aim is for this cooperation to flourish both at a
contractual level, where negotiations for relevant agreements are already
underway, and at a substantial level, both bilaterally and in multilateral
fora. We exchanged views on the importance of expanding our cooperation in
security and counter-terrorism, areas that are extremely important for our
countries, where I believe there is fertile ground for collaboration and
sharing experiences and expertise. As I mentioned to President
Rashid, his participation in the 2022 Cyprus’ Climate Change Initiative in
the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, as well as the adoption of the
Action Plan, was a significant step towards regional cooperation in addressing
the challenges arising from climate change. Cyprus and Iraq are both
heavily affected by such phenomena, and therefore, we are ready to
collaborate with Iraq, as well as with other countries in the region, in
promoting bilateral and regional initiatives to address climate challenges. From our discussions with the
President of Iraq, the exchange of views on regional developments was
essential. I stressed the importance for Cyprus, and more broadly for the
European Union, of a stable and prosperous Iraq in the efforts for promoting
peace and stability in the region. We also discussed the
developments in Gaza, both of us deeply affected by what is happening in the
Middle East, especially the loss of innocent lives. Cyprus and Iraq are
particularly concerned about the new, serious escalation of tension that
could have regional implications. We exchanged views on de-escalating this
tension. From the perspective of the
Republic of Cyprus, I want to stress our firm belief that the only way to
definitively break this cycle of violence, is to restart the peace process to
achieve a lasting settlement, in accordance with the relevant United Nations
Security Council resolutions. In conclusion, I would like to
welcome, once more, President Rashid to Cyprus. Mr President, I am
particularly pleased with today's historic official visit to Cyprus and look
forward to this being the beginning of building close ties of cooperation
between our countries and our people.” President of Iraq, Dr Abdul
Latif Jamal Rashid, speaking through an interpreter, expressed his pleasure
in accepting the President's invitation to visit Cyprus, noting that the
Republic of Cyprus is a friendly country. He noted that his visit
"can lay the foundation for the further consolidation of a new era in
bilateral relations between the two countries. It is an opportunity to
express Iraq's will and desire to expand relations with the Republic of
Cyprus and we seek to create an appropriate environment for the further
development of Cyprus’ public and private sector presence in Iraq, engaging
in all economic sectors. Huge potentials and investment opportunities exist
in Iraq, and the Government (of Iraq) is willing to open further horizons for
cooperation with various friendly countries.” He added, "Iraq looks
forward to establishing strategic partnerships with all friendly countries,
including the Republic of Cyprus, to secure common interests through the
establishment of respective permanent diplomatic missions; to further
strengthen bilateral relations in areas such as economy, trade, culture,
considering the huge possibilities between both countries, as well as to
unify political views on issues of common interest based on international law
and United Nations resolutions. We strongly condemn the
hostilities and the ongoing extermination of the Palestinian people in Gaza
and emphasise the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent
state in all territories. We urge the international community to end these hostilities
and provide aid to the people of Gaza. Finally, we thank you for the
warm welcome and we reiterate our invitation for you to visit Iraq.” Following the statements, the
President of the Republic hosted a lunch in honour of the President of Iraq
and the members of his delegation. (ASP) |
