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The President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Nicos Christodoulides, attended the reception hosted by the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom on the occasion of King Charles III's birthday.
Addressing the event, the President of the Republic said, inter alia, that "relations between Cyprus and the United Kingdom are characterised by mutual support for democracy and peace, as well as by shared values in their commitment to international law and the promotion of the protection of fundamental freedoms and human rights."
He added that "today we have the opportunity to reiterate our common and firm commitment to a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem that will lead to a reunited Cyprus."
He added that "today we have the opportunity to reiterate our common and firm commitment to a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem that will lead to a reunited Cyprus. A common commitment centred on the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions to achieve a just, viable and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem, based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with one sovereignty, one citizenship and one international personality, with political equality."
The President of the Republic stressed that "finding a viable solution to the Cyprus problem remains the highest priority of my mandate and I intend to make every effort to break the deadlock and resume negotiations. I will continue to work tirelessly to achieve a comprehensive solution that will lead to the reunification of Cyprus, its people, its institutions and its economy. The UK's support and solidarity in these efforts is essential and of great importance, especially given its position as a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council.
In the same context, I also believe that the EU can play a decisive and leading role in efforts to relaunch the talks and provide effective assistance to the UN-sponsored talks."
Cyprus is a member of the EU and the Cyprus problem is a European problem and as such requires European solutions, the President said, noting that the EU is the only international actor that can provide tangible incentives to all parties through a gradual and mutually beneficial approach.
"I am convinced that a solution to the Cyprus problem, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions, especially at a time when international legitimacy is under attack, will be beneficial not only for the security and prosperity of the island, but also for Europe and the region," he said.
Referring to the bilateral relations between Cyprus and the UK, the President said that they cover a wide range of sectors, including business, economy, education, tourism, trade, shipping, technology, research and innovation, among others.
He added that he has no doubt that the recently entered into force agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom regarding the civilian development of the British Bases is another important milestone in bilateral relations.
He also said that the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries regarding the establishment of strategic cooperation will further consolidate the cooperation between the two countries.
Finally, President Christodoulides referred to the active Cypriot community in the UK of which he expressed pride, describing it as the most dynamic aspect of bilateral relations, while underlining the contribution of the Diaspora to the struggle of Cyprus.
(PM/SX)
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