Cyprus-Greece act together on basis of international law, Greek Dep. MFA says after meeting with President

Cyprus and Greece are moving forward together in accordance with international law and with the sole objective of regional stability and prosperity, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy and External Relations, Anastasios Hadjivassiliou, said on Tuesday after his meeting with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, at the Presidential Palace.

After the meeting, Hadjivassiliou told journalists that with President Christodoulides “we discussed the latest developments on political issues, on issues of common interest, on trade relations between our two countries.” He stressed that Cyprus is the third destination for Greek exports.

“I wished him good luck and good strength for the meeting in Geneva next week,” the Greek Deputy Minister said, adding that he reiterated once more that “our two countries, countries with brotherly relations, act together in accordance with international law and with the sole objective of regional stability and prosperity.”

Asked if they discussed issues related to economic diplomacy, Hadjivassiliou replied “of course. I am in Cyprus because tomorrow we are going to organise a business forum in the presence of major Greek companies, where there will be an opportunity for meetings between Greek and Cypriot businessmen looking for synergies and joint action plans.”

He pointed out that the commercial ties between Cyprus and Greece are particularly close. “We have more space ahead of us to improve them and make them even stronger,” the Greek Deputy Minister concluded.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced an expanded meeting, in Geneva, on March 17 and 18, to exchange views with the Cyprus President and the Turkish Cypriot leader on ways of achieving progress on the Cyprus issue, following their informal dinner on October 15, 2024, in New York. Representatives from Greece, Turkey and the UK are also expected to attend the meeting.