The Cyprus issue, Turkey’s provocative stance, the economy and international developments focusing on the Middle East and North Africa, were discussed during a meeting the Foreign Ministers of Cyprus and Greece held in Athens.

It was the first visit in Athens of the new Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou Markoulli since taking office last week, and the first meeting with her Greek counterpart Stavros Lambrinides. The visit, as the two Ministers stressed, proves the close relations of the two countries and focuses on the great challenges, which both have to face.

Welcoming Markoullis, the Greek Foreign Minister said they discussed developments in the Cyprus issue, the European – Turkey relations, Cyprus’ preparation for its EU presidency, as well as issues concerning the wider region, the Middle East, North Africa and economy issues.

The Greek FM send a message of support to the people of Cyprus after the explosion at the naval base, Evangelos Florakis, near Limassol, on the southern coast, on July 11th, which resulted with the death of 13 people and the destruction of the island’s main power plant at Vasiliko.

“Greece stands by you with all its power, until you are able to recover from this tragedy. The people of Cyprus have proven that they are resilient and I am sure that united and determined you will be able to build again what has been destroyed and make the country stronger,” he added.

Furthermore, Lambrinides said that cooperation and coordination between the two countries in all fields is a cornerstone of Greek foreign policy. He also reiterated that achieving a comprehensive and mutually agreed, as well as functional and viable solution to the Cyprus issue in the framework of UN resolutions and taking into consideration Cyprus’ status as an EU member state remains a top priority for Greece”.

He further assured that Greece will continue to actively support the Republic of Cyprus and the President of the Republic negotiating efforts, noting that the recent provocative statements of the Turkish political leadership, do not allow, unfortunately, special optimism in the next months. They prove once again that the substance of the Cyprus issue is the continue occupation of Cyprus by Turkey. They prove that Turkey continues to refuse to comply with international legality, the UN Secretary-General’s appeals, whose good offices mission Greece supports, and refuses to comply with its EU obligations”.

Lambrinides said that recently, Turkey has climaxed its threats against Cyprus, reacting to its clear and sovereign right to exploit its natural reserves. The Greek Foreign Ministry on both occasions has reacted to these remarks.

Lambrinides urged Turkey to respect the international legal order and instead of threatening to take action to protect its so called interests, to proceed with adopting the Law of the Sea and set free the negotiations for a Cyprus solution.

He also said discussion with Markoullis will continue in depth to allow for the best possible handling of actions and to map out a policy that will allow us to reply to the great challenges ahead.

On her part, Markoullis referred to the great challenges which both countries face, expressing hope that with the very close cooperation “we will be able to overcome the many and great problems that we are facing in the next months”.

She expressed the gratitude of the government and people of Cyprus for the Greek government’s support following the explosion at Mari, which resulted with fatalities and a great blow to the economy of the island. “Despite your difficult economic position, Greece was the first country to offer its help and we are greatly indebted for your help,” she said.

The Cypriot FM said they discussed the provocative statements by the Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and the Turkish Foreign Ministry, noting “it is a very serious issue and we have asked that it is raised during the next informal EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Poland early September, where we expect to have the solidarity of our EU partners, because statements like these are damaging to the interests of the entire EU.

She also said she hoped Athens; and Nicosia’s cooperation in the coming weeks to handle the provocative Turkish attitude. Furthermore, she said she is looking forward to the Greek FM’s help for Cyprus’ EU presidency, noting that “Greece can contribute in our effort to have a successful presidency”.

Answering questions, Markoullis said President of the Republic Demetris Christofias is the leader of the Greek Cypriot community and during the negotiations (for a Cyprus settlement), puts forward positions that are based on UN resolutions which clearly talk about the framework of a settlement, which is one state with a single international personality and identity, which would be a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality as defined in UN resolutions and within this framework, he has tabled proposals during the negotiations”.

These positions, she added, are based on international law and secure the lawful rights of the entirety of the people of Cyprus.

Markoullis is scheduled to have a series of meetings with the leaders or representatives of the Greek parliamentary parties before returning to Cyprus Thursday evening.

The Republic of Cyprus has been divided since 1974 after a Turkish military invasion. Cyprus talks, under UN auspices, are currently underway between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, with a view to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem.