The refugee crisis and the Cyprus problem were discussed at a meeting between the Cyprus Defence Minister Christophoros Fokaides and the European Affairs Director at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Lindsay Appleby. The British diplomat was accompanied by the High Commissioner Damian Roderic Todd and the British Defence Attaché in Cyprus Colonel Sebastian Pollington.
According to a statement issued by the Defence Ministry, Phokaides noted that Appleby`s visit takes place at a time of escalating humanitarian crisis in the region and intensifying migratory flows to Europe, as a result of continued instability, conflict, and the outbreak of terrorism in the Middle East.
This requires, he said, to enhance cooperation between the UK and Cyprus, aimed especially to meet new asymmetrical threats, and promoting conditions of stability and peace in the region.
The Minister noted that Cyprus takes initiatives with neighboring countries, in order to promote regional cooperation.
He also referred to the progress made in bilateral relations in the fields of defense and security.
The latest developments in the Cyprus problem were also discussed during the meeting.
Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. Peace talks under the auspices of the UN are underway with the aim to reunite the island under a federal roof.