Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulidis described the visit of the President of the Republic Nikos Anastasiadis to France as a milestone in the Cyprus-France relations, noting that its content included three pillars: bilateral relations, the Cyprus issue and EU-Turkey relations and the future of Europe.
In his statements at the Presidential Palace, Mr. Christodoulidis initially said, taking into account the President's discussion with the French President and the public statements that followed, "we can say that the President's visit is a milestone in the relations of the Republic of Cyprus with France." .
Regarding the first pillar of the bilateral relations discussions, the three main issues discussed and interrelated were Energy, Defense and Security, and Economy.
"It is clear France's strong support for the activities of the French company TOTAL in the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus, but also for the future plans of the company which will begin to be implemented very soon, ie before the end of 2017 and early 2018," he said.
On the issue of Defense and Security, Mr. Christodoulidis stated that this geostrategic importance of Cyprus is now recognized for France as well. In general, he noted, in the context of the new security architecture discussed at EU level, the Republic of Cyprus is recognized as the Member State that maintains excellent relations with all neighboring countries in a particularly important region, such as the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Spokesman said that in the next few days, high-ranking officials of the French Ministry of Defense will visit Cyprus to discuss specific issues concerning the naval base in Zygi, as well as other issues of strengthening our defense cooperation.
Referring to the second pillar of the discussions regarding the Cyprus issue and Turkey's relations with the EU, Mr. Christodoulidis said that there is a clear commitment of France for a more substantial and more active involvement in the Cyprus issue. "France has this privilege of being an EU member state and a Permanent Member of the Security Council and there is a desire on the part of the French President for a more significant contribution to the efforts so that a possible resumption of the conference on Cyprus will have results," he said.
In relation to Euro-Turkish, Mr. Christodoulidis said that Turkey's role is important whether it concerns refugees or other issues, but in no case does this mean that Turkey should not fulfill its obligations to the EU and to the EU. all Member States including the Republic of Cyprus.
Regarding the third pillar of the discussions on the Future of Europe, Nikos Christodoulidis said that there are some ideas of the French President that were discussed, and which will continue in the context of the discussion of the seven member states of the southern Mediterranean in in the presence of Mr Macron. As he noted, the date of the meeting of the seven Mediterranean EU member states is expected to be announced in the next two to three days, and as things stand so far, it is expected to take place in the first week of January.
Asked what the French are asking for from the naval base in Zygi, the Government Spokesman said that there are plans to upgrade the naval base, something in which France sees added value.
"We know," he added, "that there is growing interest on the part of France, but also a discussion in Brussels within a European architecture that the Republic of Cyprus as a provider of security in the region can play an important role and everyone understands how this affects the discussions." for a possible solution to the Cyprus problem ". He stressed that through a solution to the Cyprus problem, this role of the Republic of Cyprus should be further strengthened and not to have any provisions that pose either obstacles or difficulties in the exercise of this role by the Republic of Cyprus.
Asked whether facilities will be provided by the naval base in Marie, but also by the air base "Andreas Papandreou", Mr. Christodoulidis said specifically: "And not only, but also (other facilities) in terms of cooperation, in in the context of upgrading our naval base ".
Asked if the Turkish challenges in the Cyprus EEZ were discussed during the meeting of the two Presidents, the Government Spokesman said that Mr. Macron's statement on the strong support for TOTAL's activities in the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus, "taking into account what we experienced during of the drilling in block 11, but also the public statements by Turkey in relation to block 6, answer the question with the clear recognition and vote of confidence of the French Government in our activities ".
Asked if France is ready to defend TOTAL in the event of Turkish provocations in block 6, Mr. Christodoulidis said that "from the day the drilling in our EEZ began, we have either verbal or other challenges from Turkey.
"What is the answer?" "The answer is that this energy planning is not only being implemented normally, but is being strengthened, and this is the best answer for both Turkey and those who may be questioning our sovereign right."
Source: KYPE
Source: RIK News