France is ready to contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem, French President Francois Hollande said during a dinner hosted in his honour by Turkish President Abdullah Gul in Ankara.
Hollande pointed out that, since France could speak with both sides, it could contribute towards a settlement.
He also said Turkey was an important financial partner for France and that France was positive towards the opening of new chapters in Turkey`s EU accession negotiations, concerning fundamental rights and freedoms, as well as transparency.
Gul said Hollande`s visit to Ankara turned a page in bilateral relations, and expressed satisfaction that France was once again a support of Turkey`s EU accession course.
Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.