Cyprus Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Dr. Nicholas Ioannidis, met on Friday with Austria’s Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, at the Pournara First Reception Center, during the Austrian Minister’s official visit to Cyprus.
According to a press release by the Deputy Ministry, the Austrian Minister, accompanied by a delegation, toured the Pournara Center. During the visit, Cypriot officials presented the measures implemented by the Republic of Cyprus, resulting in a sharp decline in irregular migration flows and a significant increase in the repatriation of third-country nationals, the announcement adds.
Minister Meinl-Reisinger also had the opportunity to speak with Austrian personnel serving with Frontex at the center, as part of the EU agency’s operational support for external border management.
Deputy Minister Ioannidis briefed the Austrian Minister on the current state of migration flows to Cyprus, highlighting the challenges the country faces due to its geographic location and the continued occupation of northern part of Cyprus by Turkey. He also emphasized the ongoing efforts of the Cyprus Government and the Deputy Ministry to enhance the effective management of migration.
The meeting reaffirmed, according to the announcement, the excellent state of bilateral relations between Cyprus and Austria, and especially Austria’s keen interest in strengthening cooperation in the areas of migration and international protection, as part of broader efforts at EU level effort to address migration more effectively.
On the sidelines of the visit, Ioannidis also held a brief discussion with Austrian journalists accompanying Minister Meinl-Reisinger, responding to questions on Cyprus’ migration policy, regional developments, and prospects for enhancing bilateral cooperation in relevant fields, the announcement concludes.