Cyprus and Luxembourg are bound by common values and can further deepen their relations within the European Union in the fields of energy and space, Prime Minister Savier Bettel said on Thursday after his meeting with President Nicos Anastasiades.
In statements to the media after the meeting at the Presidential Palace this morning and the extended talks between the delegations of the two countries, President Anastasiades said, among other things, that the visit of the Prime Minister of Luxembourg is a milestone for the relations of the two countries, noting that they discussed ways to further improve bilateral cooperation in all sectors, particularly in the areas of Renewable Energy Sources, Education, Tourism, Financial Services and Research and Innovation.
He added that they discussed other issues on the European agenda such as migration, climate change, the energy crisis, security and defence and digital transition.
Referring to the Ukrainian issue, President Anastasiades said that it is imperative to maintain EU unity in efforts to put pressure on Russia to stop the war, which can only be resolved through diplomatic means.
He added that the war in Ukraine demonstrated the urgent need for the EU to move immediately towards energy decoupling and in this context he discussed with the Prime Minister the issues related to the discovery of hydrocarbons in the Cypriot EEZ, deposits which, he said, could make a significant contribution in this direction.
On the Cyprus issue, President Anastasiades said that Cypriots fully understand what Ukrainians are experiencing today, since they are victims of the Turkish invasion and occupation for decades, noting that he briefed the Prime Minister on our side's efforts to find a solution, as well as on his proposals for bold confidence-building measures.
"I reiterated my commitment to continue to work tirelessly for the reunification of Cyprus and its people within the framework of a functional, viable bizonal bicommunal federation on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions and EU principles and values," the President said.
He added that Turkey should immediately end its provocations and illegal actions on the territory and in the maritime zones of the Republic of Cyprus in order to create an appropriate climate for the resumption of dialogue.
He also noted that the Cyprus problem is a European problem, and Cyprus is the last divided EU member state, while expressing thanks to the Prime Minister of Luxembourg for his country's principled stance on the Cyprus problem.
The Prime Minister expressed willingness for deeper cooperation within the EU and support for UNFICYP's mission
For his part, the Luxembourg Prime Minister said, among other things, that the two countries have common positions and values.
Referring to Ukraine, Bettel said it is a challenge for the EU especially when we are witnessing what is happening in the country, adding that the EU cannot put a price on sanctions against Russia.
He also said that Luxembourg stands in favour of finding alternative energy sources for Europe.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, the Prime Minister said that his country supports the efforts made by President Anastasiades to solve the problem and welcomed the resolution to renew the mandate of UNFICYP.
Finally, he said that every time he meets President Anastasiades in Brussels in the context of the European Councils, President Anastasiades conveys the feeling of what it is like to live in a divided country.
After the remarks, the President of the Republic hosted an official lunch in honour of the Prime Minister of Luxembourg at the Presidential Palace.
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