President of the Republic Demetris Christofias has stressed that Cyprus -Russia bilateral relations are, without a doubt, at their best ever in all fields.

In his address at the official opening ceremony of the sixth Cyprus – Russia Festival, held Saturday in Limassol, President Christofias described his presence at the event as a tangible proof of the importance his Government attaches to the further deepening of the cultural relations between the two countries.

He said “nowadays, political, cultural and economic relations between our two countries flourish in the fertile soil of 50 years of mutual cooperation and solidarity.“

He noted that “the historic visit of President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev to Cyprus, last October, marked 50 years of our diplomatic relations”.

At the same time, he added, Medvedev’s visit constituted a historic landmark and highlighted our political will, at the highest level, to further deepen and develop the brotherly ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.“

He went on to say that nowadays the two countries and people, through the implementation of bilateral agreements and plans, enjoy the benefits and the results of these brotherly relations and cooperation.

“Our bilateral relations, without a doubt, are going through the best ever time in all fields,“ he stressed.

At the business and trade level, he added, “this relationship has excellent prospects for the future.“

President Christofias said that there are prospects for co-operation in a wide range of fields especially in investment, energy and tourism.

In addition, he said that especially this year a remarkable increase is recorded in tourist flow from Russia to Cyprus and it gives us great pleasure, “he said.

He also said that the Festival highlights the friendship between Cyprus and Russia, and shows our common will to further deepen the strong ties between the two countries and people“

In conclusion, President said that “we are very grateful to the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation for the firm and longstanding support to the struggle of the Cypriot people”.

Cyprus was divided after the 1974 Turkish invasion. UN led talks are underway between President of the Republic Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu in an effort to reunite the island under a federal roof.