In statements in Prague, following his meeting with his counterpart Jan Lipavsky during a working visit, Mr. Kasoulides said they strongly condemned "Russian brutality against the civilian population", reiterating their support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and said they also discussed practical ways to help the Ukrainian people.
He also referred to Europe's energy independence, noting the momentum gained by the prospect of an energy corridor from the Eastern Mediterranean.
On the Cyprus issue, Mr. Kasoulides said that he briefed Mr. Lipavsky on the proposed "bold Confidence Building Measures", saying that "they can help create a favourable environment that will positively support our efforts to resume the process" for a settlement of the political problem.
With regard to developments in Ukraine, the Foreign Minister underlined the importance of maintaining unity at EU level, saying that this "is essential in our efforts to put economic and political pressure on Russia to end this war by effective, diplomatic means."
He went on to say that the war in Ukraine has highlighted the need for Europe to move towards energy independence. "Through the diversification of our energy supply we can strengthen the Union's energy security. The prospect of a corridor from the Eastern Mediterranean to Europe is now gaining momentum," he stressed.
At the meeting with his Czech counterpart, the Foreign Minister noted the great potential for further bilateral development in a number of areas such as education, tourism, business, but also in renewable energy, water resources and waste management.
"Minister Lipavsky and I agree that this is the right time to give new impetus to the existing cooperation between Cyprus and the Czech Republic," he said.
The Minister also said that he was briefed by Mr Lipavsky on the priorities of the upcoming Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU and addressing his counterpart, he said that "you can count on the support of Cyprus" which looks forward to close cooperation with the Czech Republic.
Finally, Kasoulides said that he and his Czech counterpart also discussed EU-NATO relations, migration and developments in Eastern Europe.
Source: CNA
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