Cyprus is Russia`s most credible ally within the EU, the President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades has said on Wednesday morning, during a meeting with Sergey Naryshkin, the Chairman of the State Duma.
The President of Cyprus, who is paying an official visit to Russia, said Nicosia has always supported a diplomatic solution of the crisis in Ukraine, expressing support for the two Misk agreements.
Anastasiades also thanked Naryshkin for Duma`s approval of a loan extension for Cyprus.
The Chairman of the State Duma thanked in return the President for the stance of Cypriot MPs during last year`s discussion at the Council of Europe to withdraw Russia`s voting rights.
He added that he is aware of the negative stance Cyprus has held concerning EU sanctions against Russia.
The President of Cyprus underlined historical ties between the two countries and noted in particular Moscow`s “steadfast position” at the UN Security Council vis-à-vis the Cyprus issue.
On the economy, President Anastasiades said Russian businessmen who are active in Cyprus, are a significant support for the country`s economy, while the constant flow of Russia tourists to the island is a proof of close ties.
Speaking about the crisis in Ukraine and the ensuing problems in EU-Russia relations, Anastasiades noted that “our position as an EU member state was right from the start that the crisis can only be solved through diplomatic means and not military ones”.
He added that sanctions are not only harming Russia, but also the member states and in particular those that are closely linked to the Russian Federation.
The President of Cyprus expressed support for the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine, a fact, as he said, also underlined in the Minsk accords.
He ensured finally that Cyprus is the most credible ally of Russia within the EU.
Speaking through an interpreter, Naryshkin said from his part that both countries share a long history of cultural, spiritual and religious ties and share a similar approach to various issues of current affairs, with Russia retaining its longstanding position over the Cyprus issue.
He said however that bilateral relations, which have always grown, are now “being held captive” of difficult Russia-EU ties.
Speaking finally on sanctions imposed by the EU, Naryshkin acknowledged Cyprus` negative view, which was conveyed to the rest of its EU partners.
The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-led talks to reunify the country under a federal roof have failed so far, due to Turkey`s intransigent stance and a policy of a `two state` solution on the island.
