President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov, who is currently visiting Cyprus, have reaffirmed their common understanding on crucial issues.

Speaking at a lunch hosted in his honour by President Anastasiades, at the Presidential Palace, Lavrov said Russia was committed to continuing efforts in the framework of the international community and the UN Security Council, in order to secure that the resolutions constitute the basis for the two communities in Cyprus to reach a mutually acceptable solution, with an aim to implement all UN principles and decisions.

President Anastasiades said Lavrov`s visit was very important and timely, due to the developments in the Cyprus problem, noting that they had a very constructive and substantive exchange of views.

“We have had today, as every time that we meet, a very constructive and substantial exchange of views. We have confirmed once more the excellent level of bilateral relations, the valuable support of the Russian Federation towards Cyprus, as well as the common understanding on crucial issues of the international agenda”, said the President

He also pointed out that their main aim was to continue and deepen their dialogue and promote bilateral and regional cooperation, as it was evident during his recent two visits in the Russian Federation where he had held fruitful and constructive meetings with President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev.

The President added that the Russian Federation once more reaffirmed its practical and traditional support to the efforts in reaching a solution to the Cyprus Problem, on the basis of principles that are founded on the respect for international law, the UN Charter and the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.

“For this long-standing support, both the Government and the people of Cyprus are grateful”, he said.
The President also referred to Lavrov`s deep understanding of the Cyprus problem.

As he said, additionally to the fact that for historic and political reasons, the two countries have maintained exceptional relations throughout the years, there is also nowadays a quality in the bilateral relations that goes beyond a sincere friendship or a shared background and interests.

“This quality and uniqueness is largely attributed to the profound knowledge and the special relationship with our country of the Head of the Russian diplomacy, my dear friend Sergey Lavrov.
It is without doubt a privilege to have a diplomat and a dignitary of the caliber of Sergey Lavrov as a close friend of our island. His political weight and the extended familiarity with our country and its political problem, have been fundamental in maintaining the Cyprus issue in the right perspective” the President pointed out.

He added that Russian Foreign Miister`s “political weight and the extended familiarity with our country and its political problem, have been fundamental in maintaining the Cyprus issue in the right perspective.” He also said that Lavrov is an outstanding diplomat, due to his vast experience but also the understanding and the sense of respect towards the political sensitivities of his counterparts and his steadfast commitment to principles.

“It is the loyalty and the sense of trust that he inspires with his stance. All these make him a highly appreciated partner. We cannot but be deeply grateful, and feel fortunate for having such a prominent person as a real friend of Cyprus”, noted the President.

He also said that Lavrov`s friendship was one that transcends both at all levels of cooperation between the two Governments and peoples, and has not only proven resilient through time, but has steadily grown to unprecedented levels of trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Lavrov reaffirmed Russia`s commitment to international law for solving problems peacefully and especially in finding convergences.

He also said Russia was committed to continuing efforts in the framework of the international community and the UN Security Council, in order to secure that the resolutions constitute the basis for the two communities in Cyprus to reach a mutually acceptable solution, which will not be ambiguous and will really aim at implementing all the principles embodied in the UN decisions.

Lavrov also said that the two countries celebrate this year the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, noting however that their ties go much more deeper in history. As he said today he discussed with the Archbishop of Cyprus the first registered contacts between the Russian priests and their Cypriot colleagues date back to early 11th century, one millennium ago, one millennium of friendship as he said, which could be celebrated.