Cyprus strives for a meaningful process for a Cyprus solution and it is important to impress upon everyone involved the need to refrain from illegal actions and provocations that pose the risk of derailing efforts and the EU has a special role in this regard, Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides has said.
Christodoulides made statements to the press on Saturday along with his Slovenian counterpart Dr. Anže Logar, following consultations they had that covered the bilateral ties, EU issues and the Cyprus problem. The Slovenian Minister is paying Cyprus a working visit. He will later on be received by President Anastasiades in his residence in Limassol.
The Cypriot FM noted that he briefed his Slovenian counterpart on the current state of play in the UNSG’s efforts to resume negotiations, and reiterated Cyprus` readiness to continue negotiations on the basis of the framework of the UN Secretary General, the existing convergences and the joint declaration of February 2014, while expressing the hope that the same level of commitment will be displayed by all involved.
“Anže fully understands the importance of ensuring that a comprehensive settlement must be in line with UN Security Council Resolutions, the UN Charter, EU law values and principles, and that reunited Cyprus must be a functional state, a viable Member State of the EU, and a stable, reliable actor in its region. A modern European State not tied back by anachronistic systems and structures that have no place in the 21st century”, he said.
Cyprus FM also pointed out that they agreed that “as we strive for a meaningful process, it is important to impress upon everyone involved the need to refrain from illegal actions and provocations that pose the risk of derailing efforts. The EU has a special role in this regard”.
He went on to say that as Slovenia prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2021, during these peculiar and challenging circumstances created by the pandemic, that call for European solidarity and resilience, Anže’s visit is both timely and valuable.
As regards the bilateral ties Christodoulides said that they both noted with satisfaction that our cooperation is at a high level, with increased bilateral exchanges particularly since the signing three years ago of the renewed Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations between the two Ministries.
“With that as our springboard, we are moving towards further enhancing our dialogue, setting it on a regular basis, so as to foster synergies and increase cooperation in areas such as tourism, education and culture, business and trade”, he noted.
The Cyprus Minister also said that they focused on EU-Turkey relations, migration, as well as the pandemic and they discussed regional and international developments of common interest.
“Anže informed me of Slovenia’s interest to join the MED7 framework. This is certainly an issue that will be discussed in the forum by all 7 M-S, but what I can say is that Cyprus sees the merit and value of Slovenia joining the Forum and will fully support such a development”, Christodoulides said.
In his statements the Slovenian FM said that he had an excellent talk with his counterpart, noting that small EU member states should cooperate thoroughly to address the issues of mutual interest that for some other states might not be so important.
He added that he expressed his country’s wish to join the Mediterranean club, saying that Slovenia, as a Mediterranean country shares common views with Cyprus and it is important for all Med countries to have a stronger voice as they face the same issues.
Dr Logar said that they had an interesting discussion on bilateral cooperation and that Minister Christodoulides presented to him many fields in which the bilateral cooperation could be enhanced , adding that he looks forward in having a strategic dialogue to this end. He expressed his hope that in a year or so they will have an improvement in concrete relations .
The Slovenian Minister expressed his admiration in the way Cyprus is dealing with the pandemic adding that Slovenia has much to learn from Cyprus. He hoped that in due course and as the vaccination process is progressing, they will have the opportunity to meet in person again during Slovenia’s EU presidency and not via videoconferences.
Dr Logar said that he presented his country’s presidency priorities in dealing with the pandemic, the cybersecurity threats and risks adding that Slovenia looks forward to Cyprus’ support.
He also referred to the talks for the new asylum and migration directive adding that we need to hear the voice of countries like Cyprus which are on the frontline. He said that this issue is a hot potato but Slovenia will do its utmost to find a comprehensive solution that respond to the challenges.
He said that they also discussed the future of the Balkan countries and his country’s aim to have an EU-Balkan summit, adding that with a prudent approach we could achieve a realistic step forward.
The Slovenian Minister also spoke of the need to have an active dialogue with the US. The talks also covered sports cooperation and water diplomacy. He also said that he invited his Cyprus counterpart to visit Slovenia and that he will do so along with the Heads of the commerce chambers.
CNA/KCH/AAR/2021