Source: CNA
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cyprus President Nikos Anastasiades said Friday that international law, strong alliances and the countries’ presence in the EU are what protect against Ankara's rhetoric and provocations.
The Greek Premier, who is in Nicosia to address the ideological and political conference of the ruling party DISY, met with President Anastasiades with whom he discussed the Cyprus issue, Turkey’s provocative stance in the eastern Mediterranean, energy issues and inflation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The two men had a tete-a-tete meeting followed by expanded talks between delegations of the two countries in the presence of Cyprus Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Energy and Justice, and others.
Anastasiades and Mitsotakis made statements before their consultations. The Cyprus President said that today's meeting with the PM took place at a time when the coordination and exchange of views are imperative, more now than ever before.
He noted that so far cooperation and coordination are sound and most beneficial for both countries.
The Cyprus President also said that during the European Council and the EU-NATO meeting next week we will send even louder messages to avoid any challenges from anyone who question the sovereignty and territorial integrity of either Greece or Cyprus.
President Anastasiades also thanked the Greek government for granting Cyprus an aircraft that will be used by the President of the Republic and Ministers for their official travels. He also expressed his thanks for Greece's help in the construction of a fire station in Larnaka district, which will cost about 650-700,000 euros. The two sides signed a memorandum of cooperation for the reconstruction of the fire station and its equipment including two firefighting vehicles. The fire station was destroyed in a fire in July 2021.
In his statements, the Greek Premier said that coordination is needed in the midst of geopolitical developments in the area, largely as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and due to the recent unrest in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Mitsotakis said that with calm determination we will oppose any rhetoric adding at the same time that we need to always keep open the channels of communication.
With regard to the sharp increase in energy prices and inflation, the Greek Premier highlighted the important role that Greece and Cyprus could play in discussions regarding the use and transport of Eastern Mediterranean gas reserves. He said it would only help the economies of both countries and that this would only benefit its citizens.
