Spain will take the initiative to resume the dialogue on the Cyprus problem, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez said today at a meeting with President of the Republic Nicos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace.
The Spanish Prime Minister also stressed that his country strongly supports the search for a bizonal bicommunal federation solution to the Cyprus problem, a solution that is permanent, just, based on UN resolutions and the principles of international law.
The President of the Republic and Prime Minister Sánchez made statements to the media at the Presidential Palace, following their one-to-one meeting, which was followed by a working lunch. The pleasure is even greater for the reason that this happens to be the first visit by a Head of State of an EU Member State since I took office and the timing could not be more appropriate as this year our countries complete 55 years of creative diplomatic relations.
Our relations are based on common historical roots, as Mediterranean countries with a long tradition of contacts and exchanges.
Our relations are based on common historical roots, as Mediterranean countries with a long tradition of contacts and exchanges. It is indicative that there are findings of trade as far back as the Archaic period, but more importantly, they continue today as EU member states and the nine Mediterranean member states of the EU and the five Mediterranean states discussing the very serious problem of migration.
So we had the opportunity today to reaffirm the longstanding very warm relations between the two peoples and the two Governments, taking into account a serious dimension - it is one of the main reasons why Pedro is in Cyprus and I thank him very much - the fact that Spain will take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and I think it is very important that Spain has chosen to visit Cyprus as part of its preparation.
I had the opportunity to hear about his country's priorities as EU Presidency for the next six months. I am pleased to say that on most of the issues we have common approaches and perceptions. More specifically, on energy, the need for definitive decoupling from third countries, and the use of alternative routes, interconnections between Member States and the green transition will be among the priorities of the Spanish Presidency. We fully agree, these are challenges that we also have to face and we hope that under the guidance of the Spanish Presidency progress will be made towards these issues.
I congratulate the Prime Minister for including among his country's priorities the need for the EU to be strategically self-sufficient without excluding cooperation with our partners. As well as the importance that Spain will attach to it - there is no more appropriate state to highlight the importance of the EU's relations with Latin America - given their long-standing, historic relationship.
In addition to the Presidency of the Council, we had the opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest, such as migration. The time has finally come to reach an agreement at EU level in relation to the Asylum Pact on migration. It is an issue that we as the EU have not yet been able to address and I think that with Spain being a frontline country, which understands very well the challenges through the migration issue, we will have developments.
I also want to express my satisfaction that the Spanish Presidency will give special attention to the EU's relations with the Southern Neighbourhood countries. It is perfectly understandable and natural that our attention is focused on Ukraine as a result of the unacceptable Russian invasion and what is happening in the country.
At the same time, we must not neglect other regions of particular strategic importance for the EU, such as the Southern Neighbourhood. These are countries that are facing so many challenges that have been made much worse by the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine and I am glad that Spain has decided to convene a Summit in December with these countries in Brussels.
Following on from the briefing I gave at the recent European Council, we discussed our intention, our desire for a stronger and more prominent involvement of the European Union in the efforts to break the deadlock and resume the talks from there. Spain has particular sensitivities on issues concerning sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence."
Finally, the President of the Republic wished good luck in the upcoming electoral processes in Spain, assuring the Prime Minister of the country that Cyprus will stand by its side during its Presidency of the Council of the EU "to achieve the objectives that we share".
For his part, Prime Minister Sánchez, speaking through an interpreter, said, among other things, that Cyprus and Spain are completing 55 years of diplomatic relations, adding that the last time a Spanish Prime Minister visited Cyprus was in 2009.
He added that "we strongly support the search for a permanent, just solution based on UN resolutions and the principles of international law, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation" that ensures security, peace and the well-being of citizens.
He noted that "we will work towards this direction during our Presidency, with the help of Cyprus. And Cyprus can count on us. We will take an initiative to relaunch the dialogue between the parties."
Prime Minister Sánchez also said, "We wanted to know what Cyprus's view is on EU agenda issues that will concern us."
Referring to Ukraine, Sánchez said that "we are living the consequences of an unjust war. For this violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity, unity must be maintained in the EU which constantly declares its determination for a just and lasting solution that safeguards Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Finally, the Spanish Prime Minister said that the EU is at a critical moment and must take decisions to make it more geostrategic, more social, more autonomous and more sovereign.
(PM/EP/IS)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
