The President of the Republic Mr.Nicos Anastasiades had a meeting this afternoon with the Chancellor of Germany Mr.
The President of the Republic arrived at 6 p.m. (Cyprus time) at the Chancellery in Berlin, where he was received by Mr. Scholz, while a military procession paid its respects. The national anthems of the two countries were played.
The President of the Republic and the Chancellor of Germany then held a private meeting, followed by extended talks between the delegations of the two countries.
After the expanded talks, the President of the Republic and the Chancellor of Germany made statements to the media.
In his statements, President Anastasiades said that "first of all, I would like to thank my friend Chancellor Olaf Scholz for the excellent hospitality extended to him and to the delegation accompanying me.
I would also like to express my particular satisfaction with our creative and highly constructive discussion, which has clearly demonstrated our common will and commitment to further strengthen and broaden our relations.
More specifically and in relation to bilateral relations, we undertook a thorough review of the scope of our cooperation and examined practical ways to deepen it, particularly in the areas of research, innovation, defence, renewable energy, shipping, health and education and a host of others.
As far as the European Union is concerned, we discussed key issues of concern to us, such as migration and the energy crisis.
In this context, it was common ground that the migration crisis can only be tackled through a common and collective approach, based on the principle of solidarity by all European states.
And I have to thank you, Chancellor Scholz, for the tangible solidarity you have shown to the Republic of Cyprus by committing to the relocation of 500 asylum seekers from Cyprus.
A solidarity that is the result of an understanding of the strong socio-economic impact on the Republic of Cyprus, which over the last five years has consistently been the EU Member State with the highest number of applications for international protection in relation to its population.
A percentage that corresponds to more than 6% of the country's population, while in other frontline countries it does not exceed 1%.
In relation to the energy crisis that Europe, and not only Europe, is experiencing, the common position was once again that the priority is to ensure alternative energy sources and routes, in order to enhance energy autonomy and security of supply for the Member States of the Union.
With regard to the energy crisis that Europe, and not only Europe, is experiencing, the common position was again that what is paramount is to ensure alternative energy sources and routes, in order to enhance energy autonomy and security of supply for the Member States of the Union.
For my part, I stressed the role that the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean, including the Republic of Cyprus, can play towards this objective, either through the transport of natural gas from the region or through the transport of hydrogen and/or even clean energy through Renewable Energy Sources, such as the electrical interconnection, the so-called EuroAsia Interconnector, Cyprus - Greece - Israel and beyond.
Of course, we had the opportunity to exchange views on other important issues on the European agenda, such as tackling inflation, the enlargement of the EU with emphasis on the Western Balkans, but also on the institution of the European Political Community.
A development that once again highlights in the most obvious way the need to respect sovereignty, territorial integrity, good neighbourly relations and the resolution of any disputes on the basis of the United Nations Charter and relevant international treaties.
Principles which, if applied, would prevent conflicts or revisionist behaviour by UN Member States, with the primary objective of ensuring regional, and not only regional, stability through diplomacy and dialogue.
And referring to the need to maintain regional peace and stability, I could not but refer to the continued occupation of my country by a country that seeks to become part of our common family.
I must express my sincere thanks for Germany's principled position on the resolution of the Cyprus problem. We have reached an understanding on the need to find a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem through peaceful dialogue, on the basis of United Nations resolutions, on the basis of the European acquis.
I have assured the Chancellor that Cyprus remains firm on matters of principle and therefore stands with the European family on sanctions and efforts to prevent a further deterioration of Russia's aggressive actions against Ukraine.
I have assured the Chancellor that Cyprus remains firm on matters of principle and therefore stands with the European family on sanctions and efforts to prevent a further deterioration of Russia's aggressive actions against Ukraine.
Both the Ukraine and the Cyprus problem are European problems and I have therefore set out at length my views on how we could move forward in terms of the steps that need to be taken to activate a mechanism in cooperation with the United Nations to bring about a resolution to the differences that are being observed and in particular to revisionist policies that endanger peace in the region.
We had the opportunity to talk about the need to avoid actions that provoke, whether they come from Turkey against Greece or Cyprus or countries in the region.
Stability is an important factor to avoid a new field of unrest.
I express my own and the Cypriot people's grateful thanks for Germany's long-standing principled stance both on the Cyprus problem and on other European issues, especially considering that we have always had Germany's support also on technical issues that Cyprus needed. Thank you also for the solidarity you show for the smaller countries and the problems they face."
For his part, the German Chancellor, speaking through an interpreter, said, among other things, that "our two countries are linked by a close partnership both bilaterally and at EU level."
Our talks today made it clear to me once again how close, how multi-faceted and how full of trust our relations are.
Referring to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing war, Solz said that "it is a flagrant violation of international law that Russia has been bombing civilian infrastructure in Ukraine for weeks now. This terror of bombing the civilian population must stop and immediately."
Russia's action shows how ruthlessly and mercilessly President Putin is moving in this war.
He added that "as EU member states, Cyprus and Germany fully agree that we must condemn the political and economic consequences of this war and this is the reason for the unprecedented sanctions by the EU and we will continue to maintain the pressure of sanctions."
Referring to the Cyprus problem, the German Chancellor said that "Germany strongly supports the bi-zonal bicommunal solution on the basis of certainly the UN resolutions. I would like this deadlocked negotiation process on the Cyprus problem to regain new momentum. Germany is willing to support the negotiation processes through the United Nations if this is deemed desirable."
He also said that during their talks they discussed the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean where the maritime regions have significant economic potential and there are opportunities for regional cooperation in the energy sector, noting that "it would be in the interest of all neighbouring countries to foster good neighbourly relations in the Mediterranean region."
He also said that during their talks they discussed the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean where the maritime regions have significant economic potential and there are opportunities for regional cooperation in the energy sector, noting that "it would be in the interest of all neighbouring countries to foster good neighbourly relations in the Mediterranean region. The impression I got today is that Cyprus is willing to contribute in this direction and I have high hopes that other countries involved will do the same.
The relationship between Cyprus and Turkey is important for the whole of Europe and I am convinced that the issues raised in the Eastern Mediterranean region can be resolved through dialogue and on the basis of international law."
Referring to bilateral relations, he said they agreed to cooperate more closely and deepen relations on climate and energy issues as well as to intensify cooperation between the two countries on migration.
Asked whether after their meeting there is a possibility of France and Germany taking an initiative towards the EU to put pressure on Turkey, the President said that "without a doubt, the EU is one of the strongest players in solving international problems. The basis for a solution to the Cyprus problem is nothing but the UN Charter, UN resolutions, the European acquis and as a matter of principle, as can be seen from the sanctions against Russia for violating the territorial integrity of Ukraine, disputes can only be resolved on the basis of international law and through peaceful dialogue. Turkey's latest position is well known, but there is no way that there can be a solution on the basis of what Turkey unjustifiably and against international law claims. Therefore, we are trying to activate not only the UN but also the EU so that Turkey changes its attitude and position because otherwise this prolonged stalemate will not only not lead to but also further aggravate relations with the EU. Turkey's orientations, if it still retains them, for EU membership must be taken into account. By behaving or insisting on a solution that is not based on the UN Charter and resolutions, it will only fail in its self-exclusion. I believe that steps and actions on the part of the EU will help to diversify Ankara's behaviour through logic and dialogue so that a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem can be found that will satisfy the entire population of Cyprus and prevent any other consequences that would not be in the interest of peace in the region, but also of energy needs in general as an alternative corridor for EU supplies."
Asked by Mr. Solts said that "on the Cyprus problem, I said from the beginning that we would contribute in the best possible way if this is desirable, in order to lead to a peaceful solution, to an unblocking of the situation in which we now find ourselves, always on the basis of the UN resolutions."
Asked whether Cyprus can contribute to the supply of energy resources to Germany and the EU, the Chancellor said that "we are working with a number of countries, both Cyprus and neighbouring countries in the Mediterranean that can be a solution to the challenges that we face on the issue of energy. This has to do at the moment with gas, but it is a long process of consultation to be able to get a result, it is quite complex. There is certainly cooperation and we have discussed the possibilities that exist from the use and exploitation of wind and solar energy and the use of grid connection when it comes to electricity generation."
For his part, the President said that "we are always ready through the excellent relations we have with the countries in the region, producers of gas and energy. Already the Eurasia interconnector is a reality, an EU project of common interest."
He added that there are still important partnerships that can be achieved.
Asked about Russian investments in Cyprus, the President said that since the 2013 crisis they have vertically decreased and there is not the economic dependence that existed before, adding that after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Cyprus' rapprochement with the EU, Cyprus lost the percentage of tourism that came from Russia.
Asked about the migration issue and Turkey's instrumentalization of it against the Republic of Cyprus, the President said that "it is a fact that it unfortunately instrumentalizes migrants. We have proven and provided the German government with evidence to know how they are being instrumentalized and how their arrival in Cyprus via Istanbul is orchestrated and within 24 hours they are pushed through the buffer zone to the areas controlled by the Republic. We are taking measures such as the use of European solidarity and responsibility, the use of EU services for bilateral readmission agreements to safe countries for those who are found not to face any danger in their countries and bilateral agreements of the Republic in order to achieve the readmission of illegal refugees to their homeland. I express my thanks for the understanding and solidarity from Germany and other European countries, which I believe will increase over time."
For his part, the Chancellor said that if we follow the developments of recent years, we see that there are always some countries that face a huge problem and it was wrong when other countries said that it did not concern them. That is why, he added, there has to be cooperation and we are prepared to take on some of these people and that is what we are doing in the case of Cyprus.
(PM/SX)
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