Greece and Cyprus have single, firm diplomatic front

Greece and Cyprus have a single and firm diplomatic front which is always driven by the common and national interest and is based on international law, Greece`s President Katerina Sakellaropoulou said on Monday.

Sakellaropoulou arrived this morning at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia where she began a two-day official visit to Cyprus, her first official visit abroad after assuming her duties.

She was speaking with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades at the Presidential Palace in the presence of the media before a meeting between the delegations of the two countries, following a tête-à-tête meeting they had.

On his part, President Anastasiades welcomed his Greek counterpart and expressed Cyprus` gratitude for Greece`s long-standing position and support shown to the Republic of Cyprus.

He noted that Sakellaropoulou`s visit comes at a time of crisis caused by Turkish illegal actions both in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean through a serious of acts which could likely have led to undesirable developments for peace loving peoples had it not been for Greece`s level headed handling of the matter.

Greece`s President spoke of the "very special relationship" between Greece and Cyprus, noting the "great significance Greece places on the Cyprus problem."

She said her visit in Cyprus takes place at a very particular and difficult juncture due to Turkish provocative behaviour.

Sakellaropoulou added that her visit seeks to stress that both countries have a single, firm diplomatic front which is always driven by the common and national interest and is based on international law.

Referring to Turkish research vessel Oruc Reis` withdrawal from the Eastern Mediterranean and its return back to Turkey, she said that it constitutes a step towards de-escalation but added that it remains to be proven whether this was a tactical move or a choice which will have a continuity.

"I look forward to the discussions and the exchanges of views we will make as to what the state of affairs is right now and how we are assessing it and which will be appropriate steps," she noted.

Sakellaropoulou was welcomed earlier by President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades during an official ceremony. The national anthem was played by the police philharmonic, and the two Presidents reviewed the presidential guard of honour.

The Greek President then laid a wreath at a statue of the late Archbishop Makarios III and first President of Cyprus. Then each President introduced the members of their delegation to the other. After that, they walked to the stairs at the entrance of the Presidential Palace where a red carpet was laid.

During a ceremony, Cyprus President will decorate Sakellaropoulou with the Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios III.

Later Sakellaropoulou will meet with Archbishop Chrysostomos and will hold a meeting with Parliament President Demetris Syllouris and the leaders of the political parties. She will also address a special plenary of the House.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Turkey has ignored numerous UN resolutions calling for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops and respect of the integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.

Ankara sent on several occasions its seismic research vessel ‘Barbaros’ to Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), following the Republic of Cyprus’ decision, in 2011, to start exploratory offshore drilling. After May 2019, Turkey caused a stir by sending consecutively two drill ships, “Fatih” and “Yavuz”, to conduct unauthorised drilling activities of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean, at times in areas licensed by Cyprus to international energy companies.

The European Council reaffirmed its full solidarity with Cyprus, regarding the respect of its sovereignty and sovereign rights in accordance with international law and in February 2020, placed two persons under restrictive measures, in relation to Turkey`s unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.