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Statements
by the President of the Republic and the President of Germany |
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The President of the Republic,
Mr Nikos Christodoulides, and the President of Germany, Mr Frank-Walter
Steinmeier made statements to the media today, following their tête-à-tête
meeting and the extended talks between their delegations, at the Presidential
Palace. In his statements to the media, welcoming Mr Steinmeier on his first official visit to Cyprus as President of Germany, President Christodoulides noted, inter alia, his satisfaction regarding the close cooperation between the two countries in “areas in which we have the strategic objective of further expanding our cooperation,” such as education, culture, immigration, defence and safety, health, and tourism. As regards to their European
agenda, the two presidents discussed the pressing issue of immigration as
well as the developments in Ukraine. “The position of the Republic of Cyprus
is that we should work together to further integrate the European Union (EU),
to come even closer and to offer much more to our citizens,” stated President
Christodoulides. He also referred to the
regional developments in Gaza and Israel, underlying “the need for an end to
the hostilities.” Furthermore, he mentioned Cyprus’ efforts to establish a
maritime humanitarian aid corridor as Cyprus, the closest EU member state to
the region, “we have a duty as member states to play a more prominent role in
the developments.” Concluding, President
Christodoulides stated that 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the Turkish
invasion and continued occupation. “My vision and sole ambition is to end
this unacceptable state of affairs – half a century of occupation – to
reunite our country on the basis of the agreed framework, the United Nations
(UN) resolutions and the EU principles and values,” said President
Christodoulides. He added that the EU must contribute significantly in order
to reinforce the UN effort as it has the means which can aid in reaching “a
mutually beneficial state of affairs for all Cypriot people, for the EU, for
Turkey, for Euro-Turkish relations.” On his part, President
Steinmeier said, inter alia, “For us and for all of Europe, Cyprus is truly a
safe heaven in the region and I mean that literally, especially after the
Hamas terrorist attack. We had to prepare for a possible evacuation of German
nationals and that is why we sent German soldiers to Cyprus. I would like to
thank Cyprus for the support it has given us, which has been swift,
multi-faceted and vital.” Referring to the Cyprus
problem, President Steinmeier stated that a solution to the Cyprus problem
must be reached, expressing Germany’s support for “a bizonal, bicommunal
solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN parametres.” Moreover,
he welcomed the appointment of the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Ms
Cuellar, stressing its importance in order to “give new momentum to the
solution of the Cyprus problem and break the stalemate.” Concluding, President
Steinmeier noted that Germany will send German police officers to Cyprus for
the first time, who will assume their duties in the coming months. (GS/AP) |
