Creation of a permanent institutional structure through which Hellas And Republic of Cyprus will be able to promote their common interests in the EU more effectively, especially in relation to energy and shipping, after joint intergovernmental consultations (a kind of Higher Cooperation Council) – such an important decision was made yesterday at a meeting of the Prime Minister Kyriakou Mitsotakis with the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides. During his symbolic first visit to Athens as the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Christodoulidis was received in the morning by the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and immediately afterwards visited the Maximos Palace, where he had a 45-minute meeting with Mr. Mitsotakis, although there were short ones, extended consultations among numerous delegations. In addition, Mr. Christodoulides met with the Chairman of the Greek Parliament, Konstantinos Tassoulas.

On the part of Athens, Greece’s commitment to its decision was confirmed. Cyprus however, based on the UN resolutions, both sides are realistic about the real possibilities that exist for the resumption of the process of resolving the political problem of a divided Cyprus. Mr. Christodoulidis puts the so-called increased involvement of the EU on his agenda. in Cyprus through a widely recognized international personality. The President of the Republic of Cyprus will be in office for the first time as head of state next week during the meeting of the European Council (March 23-24). The first difficulty that the President of the Republic of Cyprus will have to face is, of course, that at the moment in Brussels and in all European capitals the war in Ukraine is an absolute priority. In addition, Greece and Turkey are in the pre-election period, so it is difficult to move anything significant in the coming months.

“New page”

N. Christodoulidis makes his first visit to Athens as President – Meetings with Sakellaropoulou, Mitsotakis and Tasula.

In welcoming Mr. Christodoulidis yesterday, the Prime Minister spoke of a “new coordinating page”, referring to an organized intergovernmental dialogue. In addition, he noted that Mr. Christodoulidis is taking up his duties “in the midst of great geopolitical fluidity, with an open wound of the war in Ukraine and openly expressed revisionism.” Mr. Mitsotakis also stressed that “strengthening the interaction between Greece and Cyprus is needed more than ever.”

“I am ready in this new beginning of yours to continue our great shared vision of a final solution to the Cyprus question based on the decisions of the United Nations,” he added. Mr. Mitsotakis also touched upon the Greek-Turkish relations, as, according to him, there is a de-escalation due to earthquakes. “We have responded to this attitude and will always respond to everything that is aimed at reducing tensions,” the prime minister noted and stressed that “such an improvement can also have a positive impact on the Cyprus issue.”

The facts are “not easy,” Mr. Christodoulidis noted for his part, who, however, added that “the current state of affairs cannot be a solution to the Cyprus issue. Cyprus cannot remain divided and under occupation.” Today, Mr. Christodoulidis will continue his contacts and meet, in particular, with the leader of the official opposition Alexis Tsipras and PASOK chairman N. Androulakis.