The President of the Republic Mr Nicos Anastasiades had a working meeting this afternoon with the President of the French Republic Mr Emmanuel Macron.
During the meeting, President Anastasiades conveyed to the French President his warm thanks and sincere appreciation for the excellent cooperation between them over the past years.
A cooperation, but also a close friendship that has helped to further strengthen relations between Cyprus and France, both bilaterally in an ever-expanding range of areas of common interest and within the common European family.
During today's meeting, the two Presidents analysed the dynamics and strategic depth of the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
During today's meeting, the two Presidents analysed the dynamics and strategic depth of the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. In this context, particular reference should be made to the prospects in the fields of Defence and Security, Education, as well as Energy.
President Anastasiades reiterated once again that France is one of the most important partners of the Republic of Cyprus, a strategic partner, making a major contribution to our efforts to create conditions of security, peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
President Anastasiades reiterated once again that France is one of the most important partners of the Republic of Cyprus, a strategic partner, making a major contribution to our efforts to create conditions of security, peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
They also discussed the current challenges in relation to the ongoing war in Ukraine, while President Anastasiades had the opportunity to be briefed by the French President on the latest dramatic developments and any prospects for an end to hostilities. Moreover, Mr Macron himself has from the outset been very active and continues to take very important initiatives with a view to reaching a peace agreement.
The President of the Republic also briefed President Macron on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem, thanking him for France's firm principled position in favour of a comprehensive solution of a bizonal bicommunal federation, as defined by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. A solution that should also ensure the full implementation of the European acquis and the values of the European Union, as well as the unimpeded enjoyment of human rights.
He also expressed deep gratitude for his valuable personal support whenever Cyprus-related issues are discussed at the United Nations, the European Union, or even within the EUMED 9 formation, and in other fora.
In light of the rapidly changing geopolitical environment following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Anastasiades conveyed to President Macron his strong concern that, as long as the Cyprus problem remains unresolved, it will continue to pose a creeping threat to peace and security, not only in the also fragile Eastern Mediterranean region, but also in Europe in general.
In essence, President Anastasiades submitted some proposals to President Macron which would be able to help, on the one hand, to de-escalate and, in general, to avoid tensions or the creation of new land or sea tensions and, on the other hand, to create, through appropriate preparation, the necessary conditions for the resumption of a fruitful dialogue for a settlement of the Cyprus problem, always under the auspices of the United Nations.
These proposals, which could form the basis for an initiative, envisage in the first instance the more active and bona fide involvement of partners with a role to play in the Cyprus problem, including, of course, France, always in consultation with the United Nations.
And of course, as soon as conditions permit, there should also be the active involvement of the European Union, with the aim of assisting all those involved in the effort to find a workable and viable solution that will benefit all Cypriot citizens, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. After all, Cyprus is a member state of the European Union and the solution of the Cyprus problem is also a European issue.
Finally, during the meeting, President Anastasiades assured President Macron that until the last day of his term of office as President of the Republic of Cyprus he will continue to work for the peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem in accordance with international law.
(RM/MG)
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