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The mutual will to further strengthen the already excellent relations between Cyprus and Poland was expressed today by the Presidents of the two countries, following talks held in Warsaw, in the framework of the official visit of the President of the Republic Mr. In his statements to the media after the talks, President Christodoulides said. A visit and discussion we had, which not only confirms our excellent political relations, which were particularly strengthened after our accession to the European Union (EU) in 2004, but also aims to further strengthen our cooperation on many issues, especially on tourism, trade and investment, which in recent years have shown enviable prospects.
In particular, as far as tourism is concerned, there has been an impressive increase in tourist flows between Poland and Cyprus. By way of example, it is estimated that in 2024 we will welcome 300,000 Polish tourists to Cyprus, and we are here to increase this number even further with more than 35 flights per week.
At the moment Poland is the third largest country in terms of arrivals to Cyprus.
In terms of trade, I am very pleased to note the significant increase in our trade exchanges. Characteristically, in 2023 the total trade between our countries reached 113 million euros, an increase of more than 7.1% compared to 2022. I am absolutely convinced that there are still many prospects for increasing and expanding our trade and mutual investments between our countries and we will work concretely and substantially in this direction.
I am absolutely convinced that the two countries are united by common, historical experiences, while geography has played and continues to play a decisive role in their historical development.
I am absolutely convinced that the two countries are united by common, historical experiences, while geography has played and continues to play a decisive role in their historical development.
I am absolutely convinced that the two countries are united by common, historical experiences, while geography has played a decisive role in their historical development. The thirst for freedom and independence led the two peoples to struggle for freedom from occupying forces and foreign invasions. The people of Poland have succeeded and are now enjoying freedom and democracy in their country. We in Cyprus continue our struggle for the liberation and reunification of our country and its people. I would like to take the opportunity of my presence here to publicly thank the country, because it has always supported our efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, but also [SUPPORTS US] wherever the Cyprus problem is discussed, whether in the United Nations (UN), the Council of Europe or elsewhere.
At the same time, it was the desire for progress and prosperity that led both Poland and Cyprus to join the great European family. Three weeks ago we had the pleasure of celebrating together - and together with eight other countries - the 20th anniversary of our accession to the European Union. An accession which, among many other things, has made a decisive contribution to strengthening our bilateral relations. After 20 years in the EU, we are not new member states.
The crowning achievement of this enhanced cooperation is the joint holding, together with Denmark, of the Trio Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2011-2012. This experience brought us even closer together and, although it was the first time that our two countries were asked to take on this most important responsibility, they carried it out in full and successfully.
We are again looking forward to holding the trio Presidency in 2025 and the first half of 2026. And since we have been EU Member States for 20 years, the demands on us will be particularly high, as will the many international challenges we will have to deal with, especially at the geopolitical level. Our cooperation and coordination has already started and I am absolutely sure that we will respond even better to this common challenge.
Speaking of challenges at the geopolitical level, I could not fail to mention the invasion and Russia's ongoing aggressive policy against Ukraine, which undoubtedly also affects security in the wider region.
Cyprus, itself the victim of an illegal invasion and half a century of continued occupation, has been on the right side of history from the very beginning. The invasion, the occupation, the violation of international law, wherever it comes from, is reprehensible and must end. Just as the war in Gaza, which is not only creating instability in the wider region neighbouring the EU, but is also causing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. And my country, Cyprus, being the EU Member State closest to the region and maintaining excellent relations with all neighbouring states, has set up a maritime humanitarian corridor to Gaza. Our aim through this initiative is to contribute, in cooperation with our partners, to addressing this crisis by providing unimpeded humanitarian assistance to all those in immediate need.
In this context, let me express, on behalf of the Government and the Cypriot people, my sincere condolences to the families of Damian Soból, a member of the NGO World Central Kitchen, who along with six other people lost his life on 1 April while carrying out his duty of delivering humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza.
Mr. President, in closing I would like once again to express my gratitude for your warm hospitality and the very constructive discussions we had. Tomorrow I will have the great pleasure of visiting your hometown, the historic city of Krakow, where, among other things, I will have the opportunity to meet and discuss the future of Europe with students of the Yagiellonian University, of which, I understand, you are a graduate."
For his part, the President of Poland said, inter alia, speaking through an interpreter, that "this is the first visit of the Head of the Republic of Cyprus to Poland, this is a historic moment".
He added that today he and President Christodoulides held talks on many issues of common interest, noting that they stressed that Cyprus is a very interesting destination for the Poles, as it is a country with a huge history and that is why major Polish excavations are taking place. He also added that Poland has bought a building in Paphos, which is being used as an archaeological excavation centre by the groups of Poles who have been active in this field in Cyprus for six decades.
He also mentioned that in 2023 more than 270 thousand Poles visited Cyprus and these numbers are constantly increasing.
The President of Poland also said that he briefed President Christodoulides on the situation regarding the hosting of Ukrainian refugees and that they also discussed the situation in the Middle East.
He also thanked the Republic of Cyprus for the support of the President and the Government in relation to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, the President of Poland reaffirmed his country's position that the Cyprus problem should be resolved on the basis of United Nations (UN) resolutions.
He added that they also discussed issues on the European agenda including the upcoming EU elections.
Later, to a reporter's question on ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, the President said there is a very good infrastructure for the prospect of strengthening these relations, noting: "I have already mentioned the areas of trade, tourism and investment. In tourism we want to see more flights, in addition to the 35 that exist, we are in some discussions with Polish and Cypriot companies for more flights and we believe that we can reach half a million arrivals from Poland. It is an achievable goal and we are working towards it."
Asked about Poland's stance on the Cyprus problem, President Christodoulides said: "Both in the UN and in the Council of Europe, where important aspects of the Cyprus problem are discussed, but also within the EU, Poland has over time supported the positions of the Republic of Cyprus and it is for this reason that today I felt the need to publicly thank the President of the country."
For his part, the President of Poland said that "the Polish position has not changed for years, I underlined this in my discussions with the President. We Poles fully understand this delicate issue", expressing his wish for a reunited Cyprus.
(RM/MS/AF)
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