The President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades said that the friendly ties between Cyprus and Italy are strong.
Accepting on Thursday the credentials of Italy's new Ambassador, Federica Ferrari Bravo, the President 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 had 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 Italy'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 defiance 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.
Cyprus and Italy have strong ties of friendship that go back in time, President Anastasiades pointed out, using as examples the Venetian rule in Cyprus, the Venetian walls of Nicosia and the works of the Italian Renaissance poets Dante, Vokkalakis and Petrarch.
The Republic of Cyprus and the Italian Republic, as EU Member States, have expanded and intensified their cooperation in a wide range of fields, through a dynamic dialogue at bilateral, European and international level, he stressed.
He described Italy as one of Cyprus' most valuable partners in addressing the challenges facing Europe. Moreover, Cyprus and Italy share the same goals for the future of the Mediterranean and are actively involved in the Med Group to solve the issues facing the region.
Source: CNA
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