Christodoulides: Resolving the Cyprus Issue is in the EU's Best Interest

During a meeting with Austria's new ambassador to Cyprus, Susanne Bachfischer, Christodoulides emphasized that the EU would significantly benefit from effectively contributing to a final solution to the Cyprus problem. He called on the EU to use every available means to encourage Turkey to support the resolution process.

Christodoulides highlighted that nearly 50 years have passed since Turkey's alleged "illegal occupation" of approximately 37% of Cyprus. He asserted that since taking office, he has been making efforts to overcome the deadlock. He emphasized in all his contacts that the current status quo is unsustainable and that negotiations must resume promptly within the agreed framework. He reiterated that Cyprus is an EU member state and that the Cyprus problem requires EU-style solutions.

Expressing gratitude to Austria for its "principled stance" on the Cyprus issue, Christodoulides acknowledged the strong cooperation between the two countries across various fields. Ambassador Bachfischer, in turn, affirmed Austria's continued support for Cyprus and emphasized the mutual respect for each other's sensitivities and concerns, noting that this respect extends to efforts to resolve the island's division.

Leaders to Visit South Cyprus for "Amalthia" Project

Additionally, Christodoulides announced that several heads of state would visit South Cyprus to support the "Amalthia" project, an initiative to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestine by sea from Cyprus. While he did not specify which leaders would be visiting, he confirmed that these visits would demonstrate support for the project.