President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has expressed certainty that his country and Cyprus will have the opportunity to promote their “valuable relationship” during the coming years, in a letter he sent to President-elect, Nikos Christodoulides, congratulating him over his election on behalf of the French people and himself.
Moreover, Macron reiterated his support “to a just and viable solution for the reunification of the island of Cyprus within the UN parameters and on the basis of a bizonal and bicommunal federation, providing full guarantees to the two communities for their political equality.”
Macron noted in his letter that “our two countries share the same aspiration for a strong and sovereign Europe and I am convinced that we will continue to act jointly with a view to address the many common challenges.”
“Collective defence, industrial sovereignty, the management of migration flows, the ecological, energy and digital transitions will be at the core of our discussions during the next months,” he added.
Moreover he noted that “in view of the ongoing brutal and illegal offensive of Russia in Ukraine, the next months will also be crucial as regards our help to Ukraine for its resilience, victory and reconstruction.”
“You are aware of the commitment of France to a settlement of the Cyprus issue. I reiterate my support to a just and viable solution for the reunification of the island of Cyprus within the UN parameters and on the basis of a bizonal and bicommunal federation, providing full guarantees to the two communities for their political equality,” Macron said.
He added that “the bilateral relations between our two countries have experienced an unprecedented development in recent years in many fields. The close cooperation between our armed forces, our cooperation in the field of education or the boost given to the French language in your educational system constitute such examples.”
He expressed certainty that “we will have the opportunity to promote this valuable relationship in the coming years, among others in the economic sector as well.”
Moreover, Macron said he looked forward to meet and to cooperate with Christodoulides “on our next international, European and bilateral issues.”
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency