Source: CNA
Cyprus' Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides met on Wednesday, in Athens, with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias, in the context of his first official visit abroad after assuming his duties.
During his statements, after the conclusion of the meeting, Kasoulides said that he had a fruitful and productive discussion with his Greek counterpart, in terms of substance, content, and results.
Kasoulides acknowledged that Greece remains a stable and long-standing supporter of Cyprus in its efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation, with respect for international law and European values.
"We exchanged views on a wide range of issues from the Cyprus problem, trilateral cooperation, and the ongoing Turkish provocation, but also on regional, European and international issues of common interest," Kasoulides said while referring to the strong mechanisms of coordination that Greece and Cyprus maintain on issues of common interest.
The Cypriot Foreign Minister stressed that Greece and Cyprus remain stable pillars of security and stability in the Mediterranean region, adding that he and his Greek counterpart discussed ways of dealing with Turkish provocativeness.
"The continuous Turkish violations of international law create a difficult environment that we have to face," Kasoulides said, stressing that the two countries remain firmly committed to “the path of respect for international law, the Law of the Sea, and the European values."
"The goal of the Republic of Cyprus remains firmly the viable solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation, in accordance with UN resolutions," Kasoulides concluded.
On his part, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias underlined that Greece continues to fully support a viable and just solution to the Cyprus problem with a bizonal bicommunal federation, based on the UN resolutions and compatible with the European acquis.
Dendias also referred to the arrival of the first six French Rafal fighter jets in Greece, noting that these jets "will contribute to the protection and defense of Hellenism".
Greek Foreign Minister said that the Turkish provocations are now accompanied by an increase in aggressive rhetoric, and stressed that Greece will continue to raise these issues both in the EU and in international forums. "On our part, we reiterate our intention for a sincere and constructive dialogue with respect to the international law and the Law of the Sea," he said.
Moreover, Dendias noted that the cooperation between Greece and Cyprus is not just focusing on a single issue but covers a wide range of issues. "Our common goal is also to consolidate and, if possible, strengthen trilateral and multilateral cooperation”, he said.
“Our cooperation with other countries in the region, starting with Egypt and Israel, has expanded and now covers a very wide geographical range. I would also like to mention the 3+1 cooperation between Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United States. This cooperation is a milestone of multilateralism in the region since it involves our strategic partner, the United States”, the Greek Foreign Minister stressed.
Dendias explained that during his meeting with Kasoulides they also discussed the two countries’ cooperation within the UN.
“Greece has submitted its candidacy for a seat on the Council for the period 2025-26. Our aim is to promote a positive agenda in order to address common challenges, such as the impact of climate change and migration-refugee issues. The guiding principle in this effort is adherence to international law, the promotion of good neighbor relations, and full respect for the provisions of the United Nations Charter", the Greek Foreign Minister concluded.
