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- Ελληνικά
Cyprus is the strongest supporter of Serbia's European course, President of the Republic Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, who is on a two-day official visit to Belgrade, after a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who stressed that Cyprus is a sister country of Serbia.
In his statements to the media, welcoming President Christodoulides on his first visit to Belgrade as President of the Republic of Cyprus, President Vučić, speaking through an interpreter, said.
President Christodoulides is a great friend of Serbia and we are happy and grateful that he came to our country. Make yourselves at home in Serbia, as we do when we are in Cyprus," he said, addressing President Christodoulides.
Referring to the Cyprus-Serbia Cooperation Council (Intergovernmental Session) to be held tomorrow, President Vučić said that two sessions have already been held in the past, in 2013 and 2018, adding: "Cyprus has such Summits only with Greece and Egypt, so this proves how important our relationship is.
Today we have confirmed that we want to further intensify the relations between our two countries. I have expressed my gratitude to Cyprus and to President Christodoulides because of the support they have given us in terms of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia, respect for international law and UN resolutions, especially 1214.
Also, the Republic of Serbia respects international law and supports the UN resolutions on the sovereignty and integrity of the Republic of Cyprus both on land and at sea. Our country's policy will not change."
The Serbian President noted that he informed the President of the Republic "about the situation in Kosovo and Serbia's desire to resolve the problems related to this very difficult issue through dialogue and compromise, and I have expressed to him the difficult position of the Government and the people of our country, because it respects international law and UN resolutions".
He also thanked President Christodoulides for his country's continuous and very important support for Serbia's European perspective.
Cyprus, he said, "is one of the countries that very strongly supports the European integration of our country and cooperates with us in all areas."
He also referred to the Memoranda of Understanding that will be signed tomorrow between the two countries, stressing: "We will try to increase the number of visits of Serbian citizens to Cyprus and Cypriots to Serbia and increase the level of services and trade.
I would also like to encourage investors from Cyprus, who so far have been investing in the food and agricultural industry."
He added that Serbia provides opportunities and facilities for investment, noting that he wants the same for Serbian investors in relation to Cyprus. He also underlined that there are opportunities in the energy sector within the MED.
He also said that he considers very important the cooperation between the two countries in the field of defence.
"For many years we have had very good cooperation in the field of military industry and I believe that we can strengthen this cooperation," President Vučić said.
He added: "Within 48 hours I will also present to you some issues concerning our military and what we have done with our Cypriot friends.
"Cypriots are more than our friends, they are our brothers," he said, noting that "we love this country, we love this people and I know very well how much Cypriots love Serbia and our people."
He also thanked the President of the Republic for the assistance that Cyprus provides to Serbia "everywhere, both in Brussels and in bilateral relations".
Finally, he urged both the President of the Republic and the Ministers of the Cypriot Government to visit Serbia more often since, as he said, "we have to learn from you", noting that Cyprus "is the only window we have to Europe".
For his part, President Christodoulides said, among other things. It is a joy, because although I have visited Serbia many times in the past, in different capacities, as Government Spokesman, as Foreign Minister, today I have the honourable privilege of visiting Serbia for the first time as President of the Republic of Cyprus, so soon after taking office.
I feel a sense of familiarity because I, but I am sure I also express the feelings of the Cypriot people, feel that Serbia and its people are very close to us, both historically, politically and culturally, as well as on a human level. Today I feel that I am among friends and I am sure, Mr President, that you feel the same.
Being in Belgrade, I would be remiss if I did not mention the highest honour you bestowed on me when I was Minister of Foreign Affairs (with the Order of the Serbian Flag of the First Class) during my working visit to Belgrade in April 2021. Thank you again for the very important honour you bestowed on me then.
With President Vučić today we had a very substantial exchange of views, we discussed in particular how we can further deepen our bilateral relations, which have developed in recent years in almost all areas, but there is always potential for further development, and I would like to mention in particular the area of Defence, where we had several discussions, which will continue tomorrow, and in the area of Trade and Tourism.
Tomorrow I will visit a Cypriot company that has invested in Serbia, as a sign of support for this kind of Cypriot investment in Serbia. After all, in recent years under your leadership, my friend President, the economic development of the country has been enhanced to a significant extent, which is also reflected in the discussions and the Brussels Reports."
Referring to cooperation in the tourism sector, President Christodoulides said that it is important that there are direct flights, adding that "Cyprus is ready to host more tourism, especially from Serbia".
Referring to tomorrow's session of the Cooperation Council with the participation of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Education of Cyprus, the President of the Republic said that three very substantial Memoranda of Understanding will be signed in the fields of Education, Science and Technology, as well as for further cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries.
He added that he and his Serbian counterpart discussed developments in the Balkans and the Cyprus problem, noting "our commitment to solving the problem that has plagued our country for almost half a century, and from the first moment I took office I have been working for the resumption of talks. And I want to express today my gratitude for Serbia's attitude to our efforts, not only in relation to the basis for a solution to the Cyprus problem, but also for the resumption of talks.
The President also said that he informed President Vucic about the initiatives of the Republic of Cyprus on the evacuation of populations from the region, as well as on the creation of a maritime corridor for the provision of humanitarian aid in Gaza.
"We hope that the latest developments, which are positive - more related to the issue of the release of hostages and we welcome this development - will also help in the implementation of the Republic of Cyprus' plan, which has the support of both the EU and the US and neighbouring states."
President Christodoulides also said that "today we also discussed developments in relation to the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, where I expressed our support for the efforts of the Serbian Government. Cyprus' position is firm and cannot be changed with regard to respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia".
Finally, with regard to Serbia's European perspective, the President of the Republic said: "Cyprus is indeed the strongest supporter of Serbia's European course and we believe that the country has made significant steps, especially recently, both in terms of reforms and (progress) in many other areas and this should be recognised by the EU and reflected in the Conclusions to be issued after the December European Council.
Cyprus has been, is and will continue to be one of the most ardent supporters of Serbia's European integration.
In conclusion, the President of the Republic extended an invitation to President Vučić to visit Cyprus.
(PM/EP/MS)
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