Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades has pledged to work hard to reach negotiated settlement reuniting the country in order to provide a peaceful and prosperous future for the generations to come.

“We are going through a crucial period of intensive negotiations with a view to reach a just and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem and reunite our country,” the President said, adding that “we are making huge efforts and working responsibly to secure first of all a prosperous future for the new generation, build the foundations and create preconditions for progress and development in a peaceful society.”

Addressing on Wednesday the 2nd National Youth Conference, Anastasiades said that the engagement of young people in public affairs shows their will and interest to improve the current political and social conditions.

In his address, read out by Education Minister Costas Kadis, the President noted that the interests, the welfare and the progress of young people in Cyprus is among the top priorities of the government which wants the youth to participate in policy making, especially in issues which concern them and affect them directly.

Anastasiades also elaborated on programmes implemented to address the repercussions of the financial crisis on the young people and to curb unemployment, noting that the state is aware of its responsibility to support their potentials and skills and provide them opportunities for their development.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci have been engaged in UN-led talks since May last year, with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.