Foreign Affairs Ministers of Russia and Cyprus Sergey Lavrov and Nikos Christodoulides had a telephone conversation on Thursday during which they discussed the Cyprus issue, UNFICYP and Double Tax Agreement.

A press release by the Russian Ministry says that the telephone conversation took place at Christodoulides` initiative.

“The foreign ministers exchanged opinions on topical issues of the bilateral agenda with a focus on the programme of events marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Cyprus. They also discussed the settlement of the Cyprus dispute in the context of the upcoming consideration of the matter by the UN Security Council,” the Ministry announced.

The Cyprus MFA wrote on twitter that the Ministers had a constructive discussion. There was a follow up on issues currently on bilateral relations` agenda, including Double Tax Agreement, as well as Cyprus Problem and UNFICYP.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Turkey has ignored numerous UN resolutions calling for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops and respect of the integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.

The United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), comprising military and civilian personnel from various contributing countries, arrived in Cyprus in March 1964 after intercommunal fighting broke out. The mandate of the force is renewed every six months by the Security Council. The latest renewal was in January this year.

UNSC is set to discuss UNFICYP`s mandate renewal on July 29.