N. Anastasiadis: EU unity must be maintained in efforts to exert pressure on Russia

The positions shared by Cyprus and Luxembourg were mentioned today by the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Anastasiadis and the Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Betel, who is paying an official visit to Cyprus.

Speaking to the media after the morning meeting at the Presidential Palace and the extended talks between the delegations of the two countries, President Anastasiadis said, among other things, that the visit of the Prime Minister of Luxembourg is a milestone in the relations between the two countries, noting that they discussed ways to further improve bilateral cooperation in all areas, in particular in the field of Renewable Energy, Education, Tourism, Financial Services and Research and Innovation.

He added that they also discussed issues on the European agenda, such as migration, climate change, the energy crisis, security and defense, and the digital transition.

Referring to the Ukrainian issue, President Anastasiadis said that the unity of the EU must be maintained in the efforts to put pressure on Russia to stop the war, which can only be resolved through diplomatic means.

He added that the war in Ukraine showed the urgent need for the EU to move immediately towards energy independence and in this context discussed with the Prime Minister the issues related to the discovery of hydrocarbons in the Cypriot EEZ, deposits that could, he said, contribute significantly to this direction.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, President Anastasiadis said that Cypriots fully understand what the Ukrainians are experiencing today, as they are victims of the Turkish invasion and occupation for decades, noting that he informed the Prime Minister about the efforts made by the Greek Cypriot side to find solution, as well as its proposals for bold confidence-building measures.

“I reiterate my commitment to continue to work tirelessly for the reunification of Cyprus and its people within a functioning, sustainable bi-zonal bi-communal federation based on UN Security Council resolutions and EU principles and values,” the President said.

He added that Turkey should immediately end its provocations and illegal actions on the ground and in the sea zones of the Republic of Cyprus, in order to create the right climate for the resumption of dialogue.

He also noted that the Cyprus problem is a European problem, and that Cyprus is the last divided EU member state, while thanking the Prime Minister of Luxembourg for his country’s attitude to the Cyprus issue.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg said, among other things, that the two countries have common positions and values.

Referring to the Ukrainian issue, Mr. Betel said that it is a challenge for the EU, especially when we are witnessing what is happening in the country, adding that the EU can not put a price on sanctions against Russia.

He also said that Luxembourg is in favor of finding alternative energy sources in Europe.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, the Prime Minister said that his country supports the efforts made by President Anastasiadis to resolve the problem and welcomed the resolution for the renewal of the term of UNFICYP.

Finally, he said that every time he meets President Anastasiadis in Brussels within the framework of the European Councils, President Anastasiadis conveys his feeling of what it is like to live in a divided country.

Following the statements, the President of the Republic hosted a formal dinner in honor of the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, at the Presidential Palace.

Source: AMPE