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- Ελληνικά
The common will of Cyprus and Germany to further strengthen the already excellent bilateral relations was mentioned this evening by the President of the Republic Mr.Nikos Christodoulides, while the President of Germany Mr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier noted that in times like these we need a scholarly leader, like President Christodoulides, who can envision a better future and find ways to achieve it.
Addressing the official dinner hosted by President Christodoulides together with his wife Mrs. Philippa Karsera Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in honour of the President of Germany, who is making his first official visit to Cyprus, President Christodoulides said, among other things, that Cyprus-Germany relations are at an excellent level, expressing satisfaction with the increased contacts and exchanges between the two countries at all levels.
He also referred to the common will of the two countries to further strengthen their ties both at bilateral and European level.
He added that in the morning the two Presidents had very productive talks and exchanged views on various issues such as bilateral relations, the European agenda, regional issues and the Cyprus problem, noting that Cyprus and Germany maintain identical positions on many issues.
Referring to the 20th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus' accession to the European Union (EU), President Christodoulides said that it is an opportunity to celebrate our European identity and what has been achieved in these 20 years.
He also pointed out that: "This year also marks 50 years since the illegal Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation," adding that he and the German President visited the Green Line today.
"I assured President Steinmeier of my commitment to work for the reunification of Cyprus. My vision is that Nicosia will soon stop being the last divided capital in Europe and all Cypriots will prosper in a reunited Cyprus, an EU member state," the President said, thanking the President of Germany for his country's principled stance on the Cyprus problem.
Finally, President Christodoulides described the visit of the President of Germany as historic, expressing confidence that it will give a new impetus to the substantial development of bilateral relations.
For his part, the President of Germany said, among other things, that the Cyprus problem was one of the issues he dealt with when he was Foreign Minister and despite the fact that this is his first visit to the island as President of Germany, he knows Cyprus well.
He added that sometimes there were promising moments, other times disappointing, while at other times the solution seemed to be very close but was not achieved. He also pointed out that these are times of conflict and challenges, noting that this year's European elections are decisive in addressing common challenges such as migration and preventing anti-democratic voices.
He also noted that both he and President Christodoulides call on people to vote in the European elections and thus shape the future of Europe.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, President Steinmeier said: "This year marks 50 years of division. I believe that these days there is reason to look to the future with some optimism" and noted the appointment of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General's (SG) personal envoy on Cyprus.
"This appointment is an important step towards reinvigorating the UN-sponsored talks and overcoming the deadlock of recent years. Germany stands ready to support the UN process. The German Government recently decided to send police officers to participate in the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus for the first time," said the German President.
He also said he welcomed President Christodoulides' sincere commitment to move forward on the Cyprus issue.
Addressing President Christodoulides, the German President said: "Both of us have served our countries as Foreign Ministers and I am well aware of the extensive experience of the international network you bring with you to the Presidency. At the same time you are an accomplished academic who continued to publish writings on the history of Cyprus during your active political life. I believe that in such times we need a scholarly leader who can envision a better future and find ways to achieve it. You can count on Germany to be on your country's side," concluded President Steinmeier.
(PM/NZ/AF)
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