Nicos Anastasiades and John Kerry discuss climate crisis and Cyprus problem

The climate crisis and developments in the Cyprus problem were the focus of a meeting which Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, had on Friday with the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and former US Secretary of State, John Kerry, just before the beginning of the "One Ocean" Summit held in Brest, France.

Government Spokesman, Marios Pelekanos, said in a written statement that Anastasiades and Kerry discussed the challenges which the whole of humanity faces due to the climate crisis, as well as the contribution of Cyprus and the US, respectively, to the process of green transition and of reducing the greenhouse gases.

Pelekanos said that President Anastasiades also had the opportunity to elaborate on Cyprus` initiative related to the repercussions of climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, briefing Kerry on the next steps that have already been planned and the actions to set up a "Regional Action Plan", that will take into consideration the particularities and the specific challenges which the broader region is faced with.

The Spokesman noted that Anastasiades expressed his great appreciation for the tangible support by the US on this initiative, which was reaffirmed through the participation of David Livingston on the online meeting of the Environment Ministers of the countries that participate in the Initiative of the Republic of Cyprus to address the repercussions of the climate change in our region.

Moreover, he added, Anastasiades congratulated Kerry over the efforts he has made on current and emerging issues related to the governance of the open seas, with a view to taking measures for the protection and restoration of the marine environment.

Pelekanos said that during their discussion the President briefed Kerry on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and the substantial Confidence Building Measures that the Greek Cypriot side has proposed, as well as the ongoing provocations by Turkey.

According to the Spokesman, President Anastasiades and Kerry agreed to remain in touch, with a view to deepening the Cyprus-US cooperation as regards efforts to address the climate crisis.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.