Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides has told his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that Cyprus is ready to provide assistance to all the efforts aiming at bringing stability in the region and ensure security for our countries and for our citizens.
Kasoulides, was addressing on Wednesday a reception at the Russian Embassy in Nicosia marking 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in the presence of Lavrov who is paying Cyprus a visit.
Referring to Lavrov`s visit he said it was “much more than a ceremonial event.”
It was, according to Kasoulides, “a visit of substance; the best indication, and the natural result, of 55 years of close relations and expanded cooperation in all fields, built on the solid foundation of strong historic bonds and a special friendship between our nations which goes back centuries.”
He recalled that the visit takes place at a crucial moment, with significant developments in Cyprus, our region and beyond.
Referring to the ongoing efforts to reunite the island, divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third, he said they are reaching “critical moment.”
The Cypriot Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude “that Russia assured us once more that it will continue to actively support the process on the basis of its traditionally principled position.”
“Today’s celebration is an excellent opportunity to express the deep appreciation of the Government and the Cypriot people for the solidarity and the valuable Russian assistance throughout the years,” he stressed.
Kasoulides expressed the point of view that “a solution to the Cyprus problem would also have a positive symbolism for our turbulent region.”
We are witnessing, he pointed out, “dramatic moments in our neighbourhood and we concur with Russia on the need to coordinate and unite forces in order to address common challenges such as terrorism.”
He reiterated Cyprus` “deep sympathy for the crash of the Russian airplane over the Sinai Peninsula and our shock for the downing of the military aircraft by Turkish airforce which was a serious blow to the international efforts to combat ISIS.”
Cyprus, he noted, “has always been a stabilizing factor in the region, with no hidden agenda and with a sincere wish to forge cooperation with all the neighboring countries, so as to create an area of peace and prosperity.”
Kasoulides expressed readiness “to provide our assistance to all the efforts aiming at bringing stability in the region and ensure security for our countries and for our citizens.”
Referring to the economic cooperation between the two countries and business communities he said “both governments have reiterated today their willingness to further expand the already broad institutional framework of cooperation and to work towards the enhancement of this mutually beneficial relation.”
Business interaction, investments, tourism, education and cultural exchanges, will be supported and promoted in a systematic manner, he assured.
