During the meeting, views were exchanged on the dramatic developments in relation to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the diplomatic efforts being made to end the war. Other related issues were also discussed, such as the need to continue providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including support for Ukrainian refugees, whose numbers are growing rapidly.
On the issue of sanctions[/B] imposed in an effort to pressure Russia to reconsider its stance and end the war in Ukraine, President Anastasiades reiterated the importance of aligning countries, such as Turkey, with these sanctions. He deplored Ankara's continued refusal to do so and pointed out that Turkey's stance in this regard is not only self-serving, but also undermines the intended goal of the sanctions.
The President of the Republic and the US Secretary of State also discussed the consequences of the current energy crisis which have been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, as well as the importance of the EU's energy independence, including through the diversification of its energy sources. President Anastasiades underlined the substantial contribution that Cyprus can make in this area, indicating that in the context of cooperation between like-minded states in the wider region on gas and other green forms of energy, investments can be made in the creation of the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Corridor to export energy to European markets through appropriate infrastructure.
Furthermore, the President of the Republic stated that, in the light of the literally tectonic developments and changes observed in Europe, efforts should be intensified to reopen negotiations towards a comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the framework defined by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. After stating that the Cyprus problem is a vital issue and an open wound for all Cypriots, he referred to the Confidence Building Measures he has proposed, which aim both to strengthen trust and cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and to create the conditions for the resumption of negotiations under the auspices of the UN.
Subsequently, President Anastasiades asked the US Assistant Secretary of State to assist so that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership put aside the unacceptable narrative of a two-state solution,, which is contrary to all logic of international law, and refrain from further provocations, either within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus or through the creation of new unacceptable fait accompli in Varosha.
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