In connection with the tragic accident Pace launched joint statements with their new president Cypriot Nikos Christodoulides, Prime Minister of Democracy Kyriakos Mitsotakisafter meeting at Megaron Maximos.

Wishing him strength and endurance in his work and “warmly congratulating him on his election”, Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed: “Unfortunately, our meeting is passing with heavy clouds of sorrow. This terrible accident also killed two young people from Megalonis. We are determined to change what has hurt us. Gaps of decades and unacceptable behavior of civil servants since yesterday. I will be the first in the battle to eradicate every island of the old anachronistic state.”

And the prime minister continued: “Our people are together in this test. Throughout the whole time we are side by side on the same side with the same feelings.

“Strengthening the Greek-Cypriot alliance is needed more than ever”

Referring to Cypriot, Mr. Mitsotakis said, addressing N. Christodoulidis: “Indeed, you came to power in the midst of great political instability. Today, more than ever, it is necessary to strengthen the mobilization of Greece and Cyprus.” He also noted that “I am ready to continue our great common vision of resolving the Cyprus issue on the basis of UN decisions. The next European Council will focus on critical issues concerning both Greece and Cyprus. Your presence is starting very dynamically.”

The prime minister also referred to immigration, stating that “we will continue to support the interests of the front-line member states.” Greek-Turkish noted that “with regard to Greek-Turkish relations, after a long period of unacceptable provocations and aggressive behavior, we are now seeing a de-escalation and more positive behavior. I would like to hope that such an improvement can also affect the Cyprus issue.”

Establishment of a supreme cooperation council between Greece and Cyprus

At the end of his speech, the Prime Minister of Greece told the President of the Republic of Cyprus: “If Turkey’s intransigence has blocked every step, then your experience as Minister of Foreign Affairs gives me more optimism. The dialogue on the Cyprus issue should be started with the widest possible participation of Europe.”

Finally, Mr. Mitsotakis announced the establishment of a supreme council for cooperation between the two countries. “I believe that at our first meeting we will be able to discuss issues of mutual interest and set common goals. We continue our common course with Athens, always on the side of the Republic of Cyprus,” he stressed.