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The
President of the Republic hosted a state banquet in honour of the President
of Germany |
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The President of the Republic,
Mr Nikos Christodoulides, hosted tonight, at the Presidential Palace, a state
banquet in honour of the President of Germany, Mr Frank-Walter Steinmeier,
who pays a state visit to Cyprus, the first ever state visit of a German
President to the Republic of Cyprus. In his toast at the banquet the President of the Republic said: “I would like to once again extend a very warm welcome to the President of Germany, Mr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his esteemed delegation. As I mentioned earlier, Mr President, your visit to Cyprus is the first visit by a Federal President of Germany since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1960. It is a historic event of significant symbolism and stands as a substantial milestone of the relations between our countries. I am also truly pleased that we
are witnessing increased contacts and exchanges between our countries at all
levels; another testament to our common desire to further reinforce our
substantial cooperation, both at bilateral and European level. Earlier today, President
Steinmeier and I had a very productive meeting and exchanged views on several
issues concerning our bilateral relations, our common European agenda,
regional issues as well as the Cyprus problem. I am very pleased to say that
during our deliberations we have confirmed that our countries see eye to eye
on several important issues. The rich histories and cultural
identities of Germany and Cyprus are unique pieces that form the intricate
European mosaic. Our countries, together with the other 25 member states, are
an integral part of our common European home, the European Union (EU). This year we mark 20 years
since the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU. This anniversary and
this visit by the President of Germany are an opportunity to celebrate our
European identity. To reflect on all that we have jointly achieved these 20
years in reinforcing our union and to set new goals for the future, in order
to fulfil our common aspiration for an even stronger and more integrated EU. This year we will also mark 50
years since the illegal Turkish invasion. During our meeting, but also during
our visit to the Green Line, I have reassured President Steinmeier of my firm
commitment to work for the reunification of Cyprus. My vision is that Nicosia
will soon stop being the last divided capital of Europe and that all Cypriots
will be able to prosper in a reunified Cyprus, member state of the EU. In
this vein, I have thanked President Steinmeier for the stance and support of
his country for the solution of the Cyprus Problem based on the relevant
Security Council resolutions and, of course, the values and principles of the
EU. In closing, I would like once
again to express my gratification for this first historic visit of a
President of Germany to Cyprus, which I believe will create a new impetus for
the substantial advancement of the relationship between our countries. I now raise my glass to the
honour of President Steinmeier, as well as to the continued prosperity of the
friendly people of Germany.” On his part, President
Steinmeier said, inter alia: “Even if this is the first ever visit by a
German President, I personally know your country quite well, not only because
I have good friends here, but primarily because the situation on the island
was always a key issue during my long years as foreign minister, sometimes
with great hope, other times with bitter disappointment when solutions that
seemed within reach did not materialise. But, even more vividly, I remember
the strength shown by the people of Cyprus who are dealing with the
challenges of a difficult neighbourhood and despite obstacles are
persistently working for a better future for the coming generations.” He added, “We live in times of
conflict and times of challenge,” pointing out that “this year’s European
elections are decisive to find solutions to our common challenges, such as
migration, and to refute antidemocratic voices.” He also noted that “together
we call on Cypriot and German citizens to go out and vote and take part in
shaping the European future.” Referring to the Cyprus
problem, the German President said: “This year marks 50 years of division. I
believe that in these days of coming spring there is reason to look to the
future with some optimism. The appointment of the new personal envoy of the
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General is an important step to reinvigorate
the UN-led talks and overcome the stalemate of the recent years. Germany
stands ready to support the UN in its process. The German Government decided
to send German police officers to join the peace keeping mission for the
first time.” President Steinmeier also said
that he truly welcomes President Christodoulides’ sincere commitment to move
forward on the Cyprus issue. Concluding, while addressing
President Christodoulides, the German President said: “You and I have both
served our countries as foreign ministers in the past, and I am well aware of
the great experience of the international network that you bring with you to
the presidency. At the same time, you are an accomplished academic who
continued to publish on the history of the Cyprus issue well into your active
political life. I believe that in times like these we need such scholar
statesmen who can envision a better future and find ways to actually get
there. You can count on Germany to be at your country’s side.” (RM/GS/AP) |
