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- Ελληνικά
On 9th and 10th November 2023, the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Mr.Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr.Nikos Christodoulides co-chaired the 1st Intergovernmental Summit between the two countries, on the basis of the relevant decision taken during previous meetings of the two leaders earlier this year.
The 1st Intergovernmental Session was attended by the Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the two countries responsible for Foreign Policy, Defence, Education, Health, Energy, Civil Protection, Culture, Immigration and Asylum, Maritime Affairs, Civil Protection and Government Coordination.
The Prime Minister of Greece and the President of the Republic of Cyprus confirmed that the establishment of the Intergovernmental Summits, indicative of the inextricable bond between the two countries, contributes to ensuring stability and prosperity in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. Furthermore, it provides an appropriate framework for the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Greece and Cyprus. The two leaders reaffirmed that there can be no solution to the Cyprus problem without a complete withdrawal of Turkish occupation troops from Cyprus. They stressed that the solution must be based on the UN Security Council resolutions. In this context, they expressed their expectation for the appointment of a new UN Secretary-General's (UNSG) Envoy for Cyprus to explore the prospects for the resumption of negotiations, always within the framework of the relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. They also reiterated the need to take initiatives to implement the European Council Conclusions of 30 June 2023, with a view to the EU playing an active role at all stages of the process. They agreed on the need for significant steps to be taken and goodwill to be shown by the Turkish side in the context of the Cyprus issue, in order to enable any progress in the Euro-Turkish negotiations.
On sectoral issues and in particular in the energy sector, they reaffirmed the strategic importance of cooperation between Greece and Cyprus with the aim of energy sufficiency and diversification at regional and European level, as well as the interconnection of Europe with the Middle East and Asia through the Eastern Mediterranean.
On sectoral issues and in particular in the energy sector, they reaffirmed the strategic importance of cooperation between Greece and Cyprus with the aim of energy sufficiency and diversification at regional and European level, as well as the interconnection of Europe with the Middle East and Asia through the Eastern Mediterranean. Emphasis was placed, inter alia, on the implementation of the flagship EuroAsia Interconnector electricity interconnection project, which was undertaken by the Independent Electricity Transmission System Operator (ADMIE) as the Implementing Agency, on the support of the EastMed Pipeline gas pipeline project and on the forthcoming Greek Presidency of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum in early 2024.
In the field of education, it was decided to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries on school and higher education issues. In this context, a revised programme of cooperation in the field of education will be signed before the end of the year. The two countries will also encourage the development of cooperation aimed at strengthening interfaith dialogue, mutual respect and the fight against intolerance and prejudice.
In matters relating to the health sector, the content of agreements concerning kidney transplants and the provision of organs to Greece for the transplantation of Cypriots in Greece was discussed, with a view to signing them at a later stage. It was also decided to strengthen cooperation in the field of medicines, training of medical specialists and the exchange of know-how and expertise on mental health issues.
In relation to asylum and migration, it was agreed to cooperate to ensure the implementation of the recent Eastern Mediterranean Action Plan prepared by the European Commission, as well as to strengthen cooperation in the field of returns in order to maximise the benefits of the relevant return programmes for both countries.
In relation to asylum and migration, it was agreed to cooperate to ensure the implementation of the recent Eastern Mediterranean Action Plan prepared by the European Commission, as well as to strengthen cooperation in the field of returns in order to maximise the benefits of the relevant return programmes for both countries.[/P THE EXCELLENT LEVEL OF COOPERATION BETWEEN MINISTRIES AND GENERAL STAFFS WILL BE FURTHER EXTENDED THROUGH COOPERATION BETWEEN THE DEFENCE AND SECURITY ACADEMIES.
In the maritime sector, it was agreed to develop joint actions and initiatives for the promotion and advancement of maritime education, to strengthen cooperation and exchange of know-how regarding the digitalization of services of the registries of the two countries, as well as to create prospects for the sustainable operation of the maritime passenger connection between Cyprus and Greece. The two countries unequivocally condemned terrorism and recognised Israel's right to self-defence within the framework of international law, in particular with regard to the protection of the civilian population.
They noted that Hamas is a terrorist organisation which does not represent the Palestinian people, who are expressed institutionally through the Palestinian Authority. Greece and Cyprus reiterated the need for the immediate release of the hostages without conditions.
They expressed their deep concern about the situation in Gaza and the need for an immediate and practical response to the humanitarian crisis. They also welcomed the Cypriot initiative, to which Greece is ready to make a practical contribution, for the creation of a defined and unhindered maritime humanitarian aid corridor and the protection of civilians.
On other international issues, and in particular on the situation in Ukraine, the two leaders reiterated their full support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. At the same time, they underlined the commitment of the two countries to trilateral cooperation schemes as a means to promote security, peace and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In the field of culture, they discussed issues related to the forthcoming signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Deputy Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus and the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Hellenic Republic for the years 2024-2028.
In the field of culture, they discussed issues related to the forthcoming signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Deputy Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus and the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Hellenic Republic for the years 2024-2028.
The development of structured cooperation and expertise in the framework of coordination of governmental work was also discussed.
Finally, it was agreed that the next Intergovernmental Session will take place in Cyprus in 2024, with topics to be determined jointly.
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