I am making my first visit since taking office, here in Athens.
The semantics is obvious. At the same time, however, it is accompanied by meaningful contacts and discussions.
Unfortunately, the visit takes place under a heavy veil of mourning in Greece and Cyprus for the unexpected loss of our fellow human beings, including Cypriots, who were on board the tragic train in Tempe. I would like to express from this platform the deep condolences of the President of the Republic and all members of the Government. May their memory be eternal.
Dear Nikos,
The warm welcome, the coordination, the convergence of views, the reaffirmation of the common line of navigation and the excellent level of our relations, give me and my colleagues infinite strength.
By definition, in the conduct of our foreign policy - and beyond - we operate in a context much larger than our geographical scope. We operate in full awareness of the responsibilities, challenges and difficulties of this task.
The fact that we are firmly on each other's side has a multiplier effect on our ability to be a safe haven in the region.
An automatic and multi-level coordination and consultation mechanism has now developed between Cyprus and Greece, the operation of which we see every day. We experience it every day at national, regional and international level. The footprint is also evident within our large European family.
I am glad because we had a rich and productive debate, which touched on a wide range of issues.
The primary issue is the Cyprus problem, for which Greece has been our support over the years.
Today, we focused on the effort to address the ongoing Turkish intransigence.
Our vision is the reunification of Cyprus.
Our goal was, and remains, the resolution of the Cyprus problem within the agreed UN framework, on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation, with political equality, on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. We will never accept dichotomous solutions or "two-state" solutions in Cyprus, or other similar approaches.
In full consultation with Greece, we hope that through the initiatives that will be taken in the immediate future, the conditions will be created that will allow the resumption of the talks. As you know, we consider the strengthening of the EU's contribution to be particularly important in this context.
Unfortunately, however, the illegality in the enclosed area of Varosha continues. Ankara is making unacceptable moves, creating new de facto situations.
We remain vigilant and stress that any development other than the handover of Varosha to the UN administration is a violation of the relevant UN resolutions and international legitimacy. This is in addition to Turkey's previous illegal actions within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus.
We were also concerned about developments in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Our countries, as pillars of stability in the region, have taken the lead in recent years in developing multilateral cooperation schemes. Our EU membership allows us to act as a bridge between the countries of the region and the European Union. We are working to further develop and deepen these partnerships so that the Eastern Mediterranean region becomes an area of peace, stability and prosperity. We want to be the catalyst for this effort TOGETHER.
In such a vision, there is no room for threatening behaviour such as that of Turkey, which repeatedly acts in violation of international law. In this context, we discussed with the Foreign Minister ways to address Turkish provocativeness. A key component of our approach is our commitment to international law and European principles and values.
In addition, our discussions also confirmed our common approach to Ukraine.
One year after the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Union, united, continues to actively support the Government of Ukraine and to stand by the suffering Ukrainian people with all means at its disposal.
The European expression of solidarity and support for Ukraine passes through a divided Cyprus. Our position could not be more different, being a state that has been experiencing the ongoing consequences of the Turkish invasion for almost 49 years.
Our position is clear:
We condemn the Russian invasion.
We reject any action that violates international law.
We support the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We also found a convergence of views on a number of issues, such as Euro-Turkish issues, as well as the European perspective of the Western Balkans and of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.
Dear Nikos,
I would like to express again my warmest thanks for your hospitality and I hope to have the opportunity to welcome you soon in Cyprus.
I would like to express again my warmest thanks for your hospitality and I hope to have the opportunity to welcome you soon in Cyprus.
Dear Nikos,
I would like to express again my warmest thanks for your hospitality and I hope to have the opportunity to welcome you soon in Cyprus.
Thank you.
(MF/MB)
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