As Europeans, we must remain united in condemning the Russian aggression in Ukraine and continue to exert pressure to force Moscow to change its behaviour, but also take a more active role to ensure that diplomatic means prevail to secure a ceasefire to end the tragic loss of innocent lives, including children, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Thursday evening.
According to a Presidency statement, in a toast to the official dinner hosted by Estonian President Alar Karis in Tallinn as part of his official visit, the President noted that while we all hope for a swift restoration of peace in Europe, "Russia's invasion of Ukraine has and will continue to have profound consequences for the future of European security".
According to the President, a renewed architecture to protect Europe's security and defend its values will certainly be required in the coming years.
Referring to bilateral cooperation with Tallinn, he said it is based on values and principles, with full respect for international law.
"Ensuring respect for international law becomes even more imperative in light of the unjustified Russian invasion of Ukraine. The parallels between Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Turkey's invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and its ongoing occupation are shocking," he said.
The President underlined that Cypriots, being victims of the Turkish military occupation and its tragic consequences, fully share the need to show practical solidarity and support to the Ukrainian people.
On the Cyprus issue, he said once again that our side will continue its persistent efforts to resume negotiations for a peaceful settlement, always in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and will continue to take initiatives to break the current deadlock.
He expressed the appreciation of the Government and people of Cyprus for Estonia's strong support for the achievement of a comprehensive and viable solution that will reunite Cyprus as a modern and truly independent state, free from any foreign dependencies and interference.
During his toast, the President said that bilateral relations with Estonia have traditionally been excellent and developed on the basis of shared values and beliefs in peace, democracy and justice.
He also noted that it was his government's goal and desire to work to further strengthen bilateral ties in areas such as investment, trade, tourism, education, health and research and development, and to explore new areas of cooperation through the conclusion of new agreements.
The President also referred to the new Memorandum between the two countries on e-government and information and communication technologies which, he said, aims to make the existing cooperation between the two countries on digital issues more comprehensive and productive.
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