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Italy's President Sergio Mattarella is making history with a two-day official visit to Cyprus, becoming the first Italian President to visit the island since its inception. The trip celebrates the strong ties established in 1960 when Italy was among the first nations to recognize Cyprus. Last year marked the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, a testament to their enduring friendship highlighted by Ambassador Pietro Solari's presence, reflecting Italy's deep-rooted connections dating back to ancient times.
During his stay, President Mattarella joins high-level discussions in Cyprus, following a recent visit by the German President. This visit holds particular significance as Cyprus grapples with critical issues, including the Cyprus problem.
Cyprus and Italy share a robust relationship across political, economic, and cultural spheres, driven by their intertwined histories and modern collaborations. Italy's significant presence in Cyprus includes Colossus Eni's involvement in exploring seven of the island's sea plots, aligning with shared interests in energy exploration.
President Mattarella's agenda includes visits to Nicosia's Old Town and Paphos, renowned for its Roman-era mosaics. Besides reaffirming Italy's support for resolving the Cyprus issue, cooperation between the two countries focuses on energy ventures in the Eastern Mediterranean, addressing migration challenges, and navigating relations with Turkey for regional stability.
President Mattarella emphasizes the urgency of resolving the Cyprus issue to maintain Mediterranean stability, advocating for a solution aligned with UN resolutions. He recognizes the complexities of the region, including conflicts in the Middle East and migration crises, urging collective EU action and cooperation with countries of origin.
Echoing Italy's stance, President Christodoulides underscores the EU's pivotal role in fostering dialogue and bolstering ties with Turkey. Both leaders stress the importance of collaborative efforts to address migration challenges and promote stability in the region.
As Cyprus celebrates its 20th EU accession anniversary, President Mattarella's visit signifies the deepening cooperation between the two nations. Their partnership encompasses various domains, including energy, defense, security, and cultural exchange. The visit symbolizes their shared commitment to navigating challenges in the Mediterranean and strengthening bilateral relations for mutual prosperity.
[This article is a summary of the original in Greek published in Kathimerini]
