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- Ελληνικά
The President of the Republic, Mr.Nikos Christodoulides, received today at the Presidential Palace the President of Germany, Mr.Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is making the first official visit of a German President to the Republic of Cyprus.
President Steinmeier arrived at 9 a.m. at the Presidential Palace, where he was received by President Christodoulides, while a military contingent paid tribute.
After the national anthems of the two countries were played, the German President laid a wreath at the statue of the National Archbishop Makarios III in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace.
During the meeting, President Christodoulides welcomed his German counterpart, noting that this historic visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation, as well as the 20th anniversary of the "most important development in the history of Cyprus, its accession to the European Union (EU)".
He added that bilateral relations between Cyprus and Germany are excellent and the two countries work together in the EU and have identical positions on many important regional and international issues.
Addressing his German counterpart, the President said: "You are visiting a region facing serious challenges. Cyprus is the closest EU member state in the region, a country with excellent relations with all neighbouring states and we are doing everything we can to create conditions of stability.
I look forward to our talks, bearing in mind that my first visit since taking office was to Berlin, where I met with the Chancellor. I am confident that your visit will pave the way to strengthen our bilateral relations, but also to address common challenges.
In the EU we are at a crucial stage, we need to discuss the future of our common European family. Cyprus is in favour of [EUROPEAN] integration," he said.
He added that Steinmeier has a lot of experience, including having served as Foreign Minister in difficult times for Europe and the region."
For his part, the German President said he has already visited Cyprus twice as Foreign Minister, adding that we are living in times of intense challenges in the region and that the whole of Europe is suffering from the war in Ukraine.
He also referred to the situation in the Middle East, noting that a solution must be found to the huge humanitarian crisis unfolding due to the war.
The President then presented President Steinmeier with the Grand Cross of the Order of Macarius III, while the President of Germany presented President Christodoulides with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Federal Republic of Germany.
During the presentation of the medals, President Christodoulides noted that in essence they were receiving the medals on behalf of the two peoples and this creates an obligation for the two countries to further strengthen their relations.
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