The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulidis, had a meeting with the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, at the Maximos Palace, on his first visit to Greece.
The prime minister began his remarks with a new reference to the national tragedy of Tempi, declaring that he will be the first in the battle to uproot everything old, while offering his condolences for the Cypriot students who perished in Tempi.
My dear Nikos, you took office in the midst of great geopolitical fluidity. Today it is more necessary than ever to strengthen the alliance between Greece and Cyprus. With President Anastasiades, we had a long journey in Brussels. To continue our great common vision, the resolution of the Cyprus issue. Athens and Nicosia we managed to expand the influence at all levels: We achieved conviction, joint initiatives on immigration, we became protagonists of a new energy map that is taking shape. And the next council in Brussels is crucial on many fronts.
Regarding Greece-Turkey relations after a long period of unacceptable challenges, after the earthquakes, we are experiencing a de-escalation and a more positive attitude. We have responded and we will always respond to anything aimed at reducing tension. This has consequences in the Cyprus issue as well. It is time for the European acquis to spread throughout the island. And if the Turkish intransigence was preventing the experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs makes me more optimistic, to start the dialogue on the Cyprus issue. We are starting a new page of cooperation and coordination, to maintain safety and stability in our neighborhood. We announce the supreme council of cooperation between our two countries, perhaps it should have been instituted a long time ago. We will be able to discuss many topics of common interest and draw a common line. Common march with Athens always on the side of Nicosia and I on your side, my friend Nikos.
The president of the Republic of Cyprus once again expressed his condolences for the tragedy of Tempe. He referred to the symbolism of the visit to Athens of the current president of the Republic of Cyprus in Greece. It is of essential importance, given the common challenges, but also the common aspirations, said Mr. Christodoulidis and continued: We discussed the need to restart the talks on the Cyprus issue and the stronger mobilization of the EU. Cyprus cannot remain divided. and in possession. There is always room for improvement in our excellent relationship. We decided to institute a body for our coordination. Geopolitical issues were part of our discussions today.