-
.
- Ελληνικά
The political will to strengthen the Republic of Cyprus' relations with all partners in the European Union (EU) was expressed by the President of the Republic Mr. Nicos Christodoulides, who concluded his working visit to The Hague.
In a statement on his meeting with Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, President Christodoulides said: "My presence in the Netherlands is part of our political will to strengthen our relations with all our partners in the EU, with all Member States, and in particular those Member States that have a special, a strong relationship with Turkey.
This is the first visit of the President of the Republic of Cyprus after 34 years and this in itself is not only symbolic but also very significant, taking into account everything that has been discussed, and the role of the Dutch Prime Minister in the European Councils - he has a long-standing presence -, the discussions that exist at the public level, but also his expressed intention to run for the post of NATO Secretary General.
In the context of our discussions, in addition to our bilateral relations, which have been significantly strengthened in recent years, whether they relate to training or defence and security issues - indeed, an agreement has recently been signed on joint exercises involving the National Guard and the Dutch Armed Forces - there is also the fact that from 1 January 2024, the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation has come into force.
Also, the flow of tourists from the Netherlands to Cyprus has increased - there are more than five flights from the Netherlands to Cyprus - but also in many other areas, in recent years, there has been a conscious effort to strengthen our relations.
Beyond that, we have cooperated with the Netherlands on issues related to developments in the Middle East. Let me remind you that he supports, as he has publicly stated, the initiative of the Republic of Cyprus, and has done so within the European Council. He shows a particular interest in developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, in the wider Middle East, and that is something we welcome.
We discussed the Future of Europe, taking into account what I said about the Dutch Prime Minister's experience of what is happening in Brussels, and we agreed to keep in touch on the next steps.
I am sure, seeing the developments, seeing the prospects, but also the role that Mark Rutte will play in the near future from a new, possibly new, position, that these will be important for the Republic of Cyprus as well.
I am here, visiting the Netherlands, because we have a conscious political will to strengthen our relations with all our partners in the EU.
And it is important that on the agenda of our discussions we did not limit ourselves to issues of Cypriot interest - of course the Cyprus problem in connection with Euro-Turkish relations and the enhanced role that the EU can play was among the issues discussed - but many other issues were also raised, as he said publicly, thus highlighting the added value of the Republic of Cyprus for Europe, for the EU member states in general, in regional developments."
The President of the Republic, who was accompanied by the Government Spokesman Mr. Constantinos Letibiotis, the Deputy Minister for European Affairs Ms. Marilena Raouna and the Head of the Diplomatic Office of the President Mr. Doros Venezi returns to Cyprus early this afternoon.
(RM/EAth/NG)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
Source
