The President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and the President of Slovenia Mr. Borut Pahor, who underlined his country's solidarity with Cyprus in its efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, while stressing that unilateral Turkish actions in the Eastern Mediterranean are not acceptable.
In statements to the media after their meeting and the expanded talks between the delegations of the two countries, at the Presidential Palace, in the framework of the Slovenian President's official visit to Cyprus, President Anastasiades said, among other things, that the visit of the Slovenian President to Cyprus takes place at an extremely tragic time for Ukraine which goes beyond the borders of the country, noting that Cyprus and its people have been the first victims of foreign invasion since World War II on European soil.
He added that Cyprus was still suffering from the ongoing Turkish military occupation and the violation of international law, and fully shared the need to show tangible solidarity and support to the Ukrainian people.
He also expressed solidarity with the attack on the Slovenian Consulate in Kharkiv.
As Europeans, he said, we remain united in condemning the Russian invasion and in taking a more active role so that dialogue and diplomatic means prevail and a ceasefire is secured, thus saving lives, especially of children.
Referring to his meeting with the President of Slovenia, President Anastasiades said that during the meeting the excellent level of bilateral relations was confirmed and an exchange of views was held to further strengthen them, particularly in the areas of economy, trade, tourism and higher education, while issues on the European agenda such as climate change, migration, the EU recovery plan and energy security were discussed.
The President of the Republic also said that he and his Slovenian counterpart also discussed the Cyprus' initiative to create a Regional Action Plan to address the consequences of climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
On Migration, President Anastasiades said that it is one of the most serious challenges facing the EU, especially the southern European countries, noting that in this humanitarian crisis where hundreds of thousands of people are fleeing Ukraine, the priority should be to provide protection to all displaced persons.
President Anastasiades also added that the EU Recovery Plan is one of the largest packages ever funded in Europe, while on energy security he said that recent geopolitical developments highlight the need for alternative energy sources to Europe, noting that the Eastern Mediterranean can play an important role in securing energy for European citizens.
Moreover, the President of the Republic said that Cyprus supports Slovenia's candidature to become a member of the Security Council for the period 2024 to 2025.
Referring to the Cyprus issue, the President of the Republic said that he briefed President Pahor on the latest developments, while expressing gratitude for Slovenia's principled stance.
He added that he informed the Slovenian President about the illegal Turkish actions both at sea and on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, in Varosha, actions that not only constitute another violation of international law, but also pose a threat to the wider stability, peace and security of the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe.
Finally, he said that our side will continue its persistent efforts to resume negotiations for a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the relevant Security Council resolutions and will continue to take initiatives to offer a way out of the current impasse, as evidenced by the proposals it is submitting.
For his part, President Pahor said, among other things, that Cyprus and Slovenia have identical positions on a number of issues.
He also noted that "we greatly appreciate all the noble efforts of the Republic of Cyprus during the migration crisis to accept and host refugees, even when the EU could not speak with one voice on the issue of migration. I recognise that this was far from easy for Cyprus given its size, geographical location and history. Therefore, on behalf of my country I would like to commend Cyprus for this truly European spirit. I know how difficult it is but you make it possible."
Referring to the Cyprus problem, President Pahor said that "I express on behalf of my country our firm solidarity with Cyprus regarding the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean. Unilateral Turkish actions are not acceptable." He added that Slovenia is following the developments and stands by the Republic of Cyprus.
Finally, he praised the efforts and initiative of President Anastasiades to address the effects of climate change.
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