Today in Kigali, capital of Rwanda, the work of the Summit of Heads of State of the Commonwealth, in which Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, representing the President of the Republic of Cyprus, participated.
The discussions focused on specific thematic areas relating to sustainable development, global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation and the role of youth, as well as other issues relating to the rule of law and respect for human rights.
In the Summit Declaration, the Heads of State of the Commonwealth expressed their support for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus, underlining the importance of resuming talks for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and within the agreed framework for a solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.
The Heads of State of the Commonwealth highlighted the importance of implementing the UN Security Council Resolutions and Presidential Statements condemning Turkish provocation in the enclosed area of Varosha, calling for the reversal of the fait accompli and the avoidance of actions that undermine the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus in its EEZ. The Summit Declaration stresses, inter alia, the importance of adopting confidence-building measures and urges the sides to work towards their implementation.
The Summit Declaration also welcomes the establishment in Cyprus of a Commonwealth Centre of Excellence for the blue economy, sustainable fish farming, marine research, development and innovation.
On the sidelines of the Commonwealth Summit, the Foreign Minister had bilateral contacts with his counterparts from India, Sri Lanka, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and the Bahamas. During his meetings, Mr. Kasoulides highlighted Cyprus' initiative to establish a centre of excellence for blue growth and the common challenges faced by small island states from climate change. In addition, he briefed on the situation in the Cyprus problem, while bilateral relations and other current international issues of common interest were discussed.
The Foreign Minister will return to Cyprus tomorrow, Sunday, 26 June 2022.
(EC)
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