President Nicos Anastasiades, accepting on Thursday the credentials of the new Estonian Ambassador, Karin Rannu, described the relations between Cyprus and Estonia as excellent.
Cyprus and Estonia may be at the two geographical extremes of the European continent, but our relations are traditionally good, the President said, adding that the two countries are working closely together, recognising that their future is intertwined.
Cyprus and Estonia have signed important bilateral agreements in the fields of tourism, health, education, culture, science and trade, the President noted, referring to the Memorandum of Understanding on e-Government, the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Agreement on Mutual Protection of Classified Information.
At the same time, he expressed the Government's intention to strengthen bilateral relations in the fields of investment, trade, tourism, research and development and to explore new avenues for cooperation by concluding new agreements.
Referring to Ukraine, he said that we stand by Ukraine, expressing our strong support and respect for its territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. He noted that what is of utmost importance at this point is to ensure, through diplomacy and dialogue, an immediate ceasefire to stop the tragic loss of innocent lives.
The President said that Cyprus and its people have their own tragic experiences of foreign invasion, following the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation since 1974 whose devastating consequences we are still experiencing today. He expressed his deep appreciation for Estonia's principled stand on the Cyprus problem and its consistent support for our efforts for a comprehensive settlement based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality as defined in UN resolutions.
He said that this stand is particularly appreciated in light of Turkey's stated position for a "two-state" solution and its overall aggressive behaviour in blatant disregard of international law. The President added that Turkey is continuing its illegal plans in the fenced area of Varosha in full defiance of the relevant Security Council resolutions, despite the strong condemnation of the international community and its repeated calls for an immediate reversal of this course.
He referred to the CBMs he tabled, saying that they can build trust and greater cooperation between the two communities and serve as a catalyst for efforts to reach a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem.
For her part, Estonia's new Ambassador Karin Rannu said that 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Estonia and Cyprus.
For her part, Estonia's new Ambassador Karin Rannu said that 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Estonia and Cyprus. What connects the two countries, she said, is that they share the values and freedoms of Europe and have a similar understanding of an open and democratic society. These very principles are being brutally attacked by Russia, which is waging an unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine, she added.
Rannu noted that Estonia and Cyprus have responded quickly and decisively, aiming to end the aggression, preserve Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and provide assistance to those who need it. This comes at a cost but we must protect the values we share, he indicated.
Furthermore, he spoke of the excellent bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and Estonia, which is characterized by regular official visits, increased Estonian tourist arrivals in Cyprus, cooperation on digital issues, energy security and green shipping transition.
Estonia hopes that negotiations for a Cyprus solution will resume soon towards a just, comprehensive and viable settlement within the UN framework and in line with the relevant UNSC resolutions, Rannu noted.
Source: CNA
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