Cyprus-Germany Relations Excellent say Presidents

Christodoulides noted that Steinmeier’s visit “coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and continued occupation, as well as the 20th anniversary of the most important development in the history of Cyprus, its accession to the European Union.”

He added, “Cyprus is a strong supporter of closer relations between the EU and Ankara. Such closer relations pass through developments and a solution to the Cyprus problem.”

He added that relations between Cyprus and Germany are “excellent” and told Steinmeier “you are vising a region facing serious challenges.

“Cyprus is the closest EU member state to the region,” he said, adding that the country has excellent relations with all neighbouring states, and Cyprus was doing everything it could to create conditions of stability.

Moving on to internal matters in the European Union, he said the bloc is “at a critical stage”, and that “we must discuss the future of our common European family.”

“Cyprus is in favour of further European integration,” he added.

Steinmeier said he had already visited Cyprus twice while serving as his country’s foreign minister, and said Turkey’s “behaviour towards the solution of the Cyprus problem also impacts other issues, such as its approach to the European Union”.

He added his encouragement “for all parties involved to show the necessary compromise on the Cyprus problem.”

Speaking on international matters, he noted “we are living in times of intense challenges in the region, and all of Europe is suffering from the war in Ukraine.”

He added that “a solution must be found to the enormous humanitarian crisis” taking place in Gaza.

“This year marks 35 years since the fall of the Berlin wall. It is my hope and aspiration that we will soon be able to celebrate the reunification of Cyprus, Nicosia, the last divided capital in Europe,” he added.

Steinmeier was received by Christodoulides at the presidential palace, receiving full military honours, before the national anthems of both Cyprus and Germany were played. He then laid a wreath at the Makarios statue at the palace.

The pair then held a private meeting and presented each other with medals.

Later on Monday Christodoulides and Steinmeier visited the Nicosia town hall and the green line, before attending a lunch hosted by the Cyprus chamber of commerce (Keve).

Steinmeier will then visit the anthropological laboratory of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) and peacekeepers from the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp).

Later he will visit the House of Europe and the Goethe Institute, as well as parliament, where he will meet House president Annita Demetriou.

In the evening, the Steinmeier will attend an official dinner hosted in his honour by Christodoulides at the presidential palace.

On Tuesday, Steinmeier will speak to students at the Makarios high school in Aglandjia and then the migrant reception centre in Kofinou, where he will be briefed by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou.

Afterwards, he visit the village of Lefkara on a guided tour, followed by a lunch with Christodoulides in Kato Drys, before returning home.

Source: Cyprus Mail