A new page in relations between Cyprus and Greece

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has said he hoped that during his first visit to Cyprus, open issues will be examined and that a new page in the two countries’ relations will begin. The Greek Prime Minister is paying Cyprus an official visit today and tomorrow.
 
At the same time President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades said the visit allows both countries to examine ways to avert escalation of the tension with Turkey.
 
In his remarks during their meeting at the Presidential Palace this morning, President Anastasiades praised the new Greek Premier for considering a visit to Cyprus a first priority since assuming his duties, something that symbolises the close bonds of friendship and also his special interest for Cyprus, a heritage Mitsotakis had inherited from his late father Constantine who also served as Prime Minister. Our longterm friendship and close bonds will continue for the benefit of both peoples, Mitsotakis assured.
 
President Anastasiades said the two countries have mutual challenges which they will face together with their partners and referred to the first trilateral cooperation (Greece, Cyprus and Egypt) formed during the Antonis Samaras premiership. Of course, these cooperation have evolved through a strong framework of bonds with our neighbouring states “always within the framework of peace and stability and the peoples’ welfare”.
 
Mitsotakis thanked President Anastasiades, noting he continues the longstanding tradition that calls for the Greek Premier to visit Cyprus for his first official trip.

This trip is not only symbolic, it is basically essential because Greece and Cyprus always face united the challenges in the wider region and confront them confidently. He assured of their deep personal friendship, noting that in “this struggle you give, you have the support of all Greek people. "

Mitsotakis said “I look forward to my visit being substantial in that all open issues will be put on the table and for a new, personal cooperation between myself and the President of the Republic of Cyprus so that we will be able to promote the well-being of both peoples.”
 
He further said that when Greece is strong, Cyprus is also strong as well as Hellenism everywhere”, adding that the people of Greece opted for change by electing” him, adding “I intend to honour the mandate of the Greek people”.

Speaking during the meeting of the two delegations later on, President Anastasiades said he was particularly pleased with the visit as “we are facing critical developments” bearing in mind that on 9 August he will have a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci.
 
“Therefore, your presence here, and especially taking into account Turkey’s unlawful actions, will enable us to discuss and see how together, through peace, dialogue and international law, we can coordinate and to make use of our allies in Europe".
We are given the opportunity to examine the most fruitful methods to achieve averting further escalation of the situation with Turkey and to create conditions that will be conducive for dialogue, for the benefit of all Cypriots.
 
The Republic Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The last round of negotiations, in the summer of 2017, at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
 
Turkey issued in May a navigational telex, announcing its intention to start drilling off Cyprus until September 3. Since May 4, the Turkish drill ship “Fatih” is anchored in an area that falls within the EEZ and continental shelf of the Republic of Cyprus.
 
A second Turkish drill ship, “Yavuz”, is also off the island’s northeastern coast.