European Commissioner responsible for Regional Policy Corina Creţu, who is set to visit Cyprus this week, has said that her visit aims to encourage growth and the creation of jobs as well as reiterate the Commission`s support for a solution of the Cyprus problem.
This visit focuses on what the cohesion policy can achieve in the Republic of Cyprus as regards growth and the creation of jobs, Creţu said in a statement on her visit to Cyprus released by the European Commission.
“Our investments for the period of 2014 – 2020 aim to protect the environment, to promote the sustainable use of resources, to support economies of low carbon emissions and to enhance innovation of local enterprises,” she said.
In addition, she noted, “under the guidance of Commission President Juncker, I am also here to reiterate the Commission`s support on the settlement of the Cyprus issue.”
As Commissioner on Regional Policy, she added, “my mandate to encourage the economic growth of the Turkish Cypriot community and to facilitate contacts and dialogue.”
During her visit Corina Creţu will meet with Defence Minister Christoforos Fokaides in his capacity as acting Foreign Minister, Minister of Finance Harris Georgiades and Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Nicos Kouyialis.
She will tour the walled city of Nicosia and in particular the Taht-el-kale Mosque neighbourhood where accompanied by Nicosia Mayor Constantinos Yiorkadjis she will be able to witness first hand restoration projects which were funded by the EU.
Creţu will also have a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci as well as social actors of the Turkish Cypriot community.
She will visit parts of Turkish occupied Nicosia such as the Bedesten (Saint Nicolas Church) and the old market Bandabulya, accompanied by the Turkish Cypriot so-called mayor of occupied Nicosia Mehmet Harmanci, which have also been restored with funds from the EU.