Anastasiadis met with the Slovenian President - What was discussed

The excellent level of bilateral relations between Cyprus and Slovenia was mentioned today by the President of the Republic Mr. Nikos Anastasiadis and the President of Slovenia Mr. Borut Pahor, who underlined his country's solidarity with Cyprus for the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, while emphasizing that unilateral Turkish actions in the Eastern Mediterranean are not acceptable.

In statements to the media after their meeting and the extended talks of the delegations of the two countries, at the Presidential Palace, in the context of the official visit of the Slovenian President to Cyprus, President Anastasiadis said, among other things, that the visit of the Slovenian President to Cyprus takes place in an extremely tragic period for Ukraine which transcends the borders of the country, noting that Cyprus and its people have been the first victims of foreign invasion after World War II, on European soil.

He added that Cyprus still suffers from the ongoing Turkish military occupation and violation of international law, and fully shares the need to show tangible solidarity and support to the Ukrainian people.

He also expressed solidarity with the Slovenian Consulate in Kharkiv.

As Europeans, he said, we remain united in condemning the Russian invasion and taking on a more active role, so that dialogue and diplomatic means can prevail and a ceasefire can be ensured, thus saving the lives of children in particular.

Referring to his meeting with the President of Slovenia, President Anastasiadis said that during it the excellent level of bilateral relations was confirmed and views were exchanged on their further strengthening, especially in the fields of economy, trade, tourism and higher education. , while issues on the European agenda were discussed, such as climate change, migration, the EU recovery plan and energy security.

The President of the Republic also said that he and his Slovenian counterpart also discussed the Cyprus initiative for the creation of a Regional Action Plan to address the consequences of Climate Change in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

On Immigration, President Anastasiadis said it was one of the most serious challenges facing the EU, especially in southern European countries, noting that in this humanitarian crisis where hundreds of thousands of people are fleeing Ukraine, the priority should be is to provide protection to all the displaced.

President Anastasiadis added that the EU Recovery Plan is one of the largest packages ever funded in Europe, while on energy security he said that recent geopolitical developments emphasize the need for alternative energy sources to Europe, noting that the Eastern Mediterranean can play an important role in securing energy for European citizens.

The President of the Republic also said that Cyprus supports Slovenia's candidacy to become a member of the Security Council for the period 2024 to 2025.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, the President of the Republic said that he informed President Pahor about the latest developments, while expressing gratitude for the attitude of the Slovenian authorities.

He added that he had informed the Slovenian President about the illegal Turkish actions both at sea and on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, in Varos, which not only constitute another violation of international law, but also pose a threat to the wider stability, peace and security of the Eastern Mediterranean, but also of Europe.

He said, finally, that our side will continue the persistent efforts to resume negotiations for a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the relevant Security Council resolutions and will continue to take initiatives to offer a way out of the current impasse, as evidenced by the proposals it submits.

For his part, President Pahor said, among other things, that Cyprus and Slovenia have identical positions on a number of issues.

He also noted that "we highly appreciate all the noble efforts of the Republic of Cyprus during the immigration crisis, to accept and accommodate refugees, even when the EU could not speak with one voice on the issue of Immigration. I recognize that this was anything but easy for Cyprus given its size, geographical location and history. Therefore, on behalf of my country, I would like to commend Cyprus for this truly European spirit. I know how difficult it is but you make it possible. "

Referring to the Cyprus issue, President Pahor said that "on behalf of my country, I express our firm solidarity with Cyprus regarding the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean. "Unilateral Turkish actions are not acceptable." He added that Slovenia is following the developments and is on the side of the Republic of Cyprus.

Finally, he praised the efforts and initiative of President Anastasiadis to address the effects of Climate Change.