The Republic of Cyprus, like Greece, through our actions, are proving in practice that we are not part of the problem, we are always part of the solution and we will face this difficult situation together, said today the President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, in a meeting he had, at the Presidential Palace, with the Minister of National Defense of Greece, Mr. Nikos Dendias, who was accompanied by the Minister of Defense, Mr. Vassilis Palmas, and the Chief of General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis.
Welcoming Mr. Dendias, the President of the Republic said that "I want to publicly thank both the Prime Minister and you personally on behalf of the Cypriot people for the immediate response to our request, at a difficult time for the Republic of Cyprus. Greece once again declares its presence. A move of particularly substantial but also symbolic importance. A move that paves the way for the European Union. Because your immediate response is being followed by other European states.
I spoke with the French president. There was a response. I am in contact with the Chancellor of Germany and the Prime Minister of Italy. And this also shows the way that Greece is paving the way for how the European Union should respond.
Thank you once again. The Republic of Cyprus, like Greece, through our actions, we prove in practice that we are not part of the problem, we are always part of the solution and we will face this difficult situation together, hoping that normal conditions will soon prevail in our region. A region that, as you know very well from all your qualities, has, despite the many challenges, also has many opportunities that can be exploited through the cooperation that Greece and Cyprus, Cyprus and Greece have proven in practice that this is what they seek.
With these words and reiterating the warm thanks of the Cypriot people, the Cypriot State for the immediate response, thanks also to the Greek people, I welcome you once again to Cyprus."
For his part, the Minister of National Defense of Greece said that "it is my great pleasure to be here today at the Presidential Palace. Thank you for receiving me. I came to convey to you, to Vasilis, but also to the entire Cypriot people, the support of the Prime Minister, the Greek Government, but - I say this from my heart - also of the entire Greek society, the Greek people.
These are indeed difficult times. These are difficult times for our wider region. However, Greece wants to declare in the most categorical way, which, as you very rightly said, involves both symbolism and substance, its intention to provide, as far as possible and within its powers and capabilities, whatever assistance it can to Cyprus, to the Cypriot people, to all the legal residents of the Republic of Cyprus.
I am glad to be here today. I will discuss with Vasilis afterwards the practical parts of this assistance and we will see if and what else we could do. We are totally, absolutely at your disposal.”
