The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Anastasiadis, took part in the work of the Euro-Atlantic working dinner hosted in Madrid by the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez.
THE Nikos Anastasiadis had the opportunity to talk to a number of EU and NATO leaders, both on the sidelines of the dinner and during it. Among other things, he exchanged views with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, French President Emanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Italian Mario Draghi, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trindade, US Prime Minister Negro Kaghelaro Kagerro Negro.
He also spoke with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with whom he exchanged views, mainly on the Cyprus issue.
According to the government representative of Cyprus Mario Pelekano, Mr. Anastasiadis stated to the President of Turkey its readiness to resume negotiations for a settlement of the Cyprus problemunder the auspices of the UN, and reiterated that he is always ready to enter into talks aimed at resolving a chronic problem, the resolution of which will be beneficial for Cyprus and all Cypriots, as well as for stability and security. in the Eastern Mediterranean, for Greek-Turkish relations and for EU-Turkey relations.
In his speech, during the working dinner, in front of the 36 Heads of State and Government from EU and NATO Member States, the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission and the Secretary General of NATO, he initially stressed the need to strengthen cooperation between the EU and NATO in order to meet the great challenges of our time, with the salient consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine which has brought about major changes, not only in aspects of traditional security, but also in areas such as security energy security, migration and hybrid threats.
Of course, the President of the Republic added, EU-NATO cooperation should always be based on respect, on the one hand, the autonomy of the two organizations in terms of their decision-making processes and, on the other hand, international law.
In a written statement, Mr. Pelekanos notes that President Anastasiadis pointed out in his speech four points that should be set as a priority, namely:
(a) strengthening the EU’s autonomous defense capabilities so that it can assist in dealing with crises in Europe and internationally, always in coherence and cooperation with allies such as NATO or other countries with which the EU shares common interests and values,
(b) showing zero tolerance, either for violations of International Law or for revisionist policies;
(c) resolving existing problems which threaten the cohesion of the two Organizations on the basis of mutual respect and solidarity; and
(d) the implementation by all countries of the sanctions imposed on Russia in order to make them more effective.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, which he described as an “open wound”, he stressed that as long as it lasts, it will continue to be a threat to peace, security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, but also in Europe in general. He reiterated that his aim remains to end the division in Cyprus and to achieve a functioning and sustainable settlement on the basis of Security Council resolutions and those provided for in international law.
Finally, President Anastasiadis underlined his commitment to the effort to create conditions that will allow the resumption of negotiations from the point where they were suspended with the aim of a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. A goal that will be achieved provided that all those involved decide that it is finally time for an agreement that will lead to a normal state, which will be to the benefit of all citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
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