The President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades, said that Cyprus and Italy share strong bonds of friendship during a formal ceremony held at the Presidential Palace on Thursday, receiving the credentials of the new Ambassador of Italy, Ms Federica Ferrari Bravo.
President Anastasiades noted that Cyprus and Italy share strong bonds of friendship, which go back in history, adding that the Venetian era bridges, as well as the emblematic Venetian walls of Nicosia, witness the rich and continuous cultural interaction of our peoples. “The strong cross-cultural links between our two countries are also testified in the work of the great poets of the Italian Renaissance such as Dante, Boccaccio and Petrarca”, he said.
He went on to say that the Republic of Cyprus and the Italian Republic, both Member States of the European Union, have expanded and intensified their cooperation in a wide range of fields, through a dynamic dialogue on a bilateral, European and international level.
“We consider Italy to be one of Cyprus’ most valued partners as we work together to address the most pressing challenges Europe is currently faced with and attain shared goals”, said Anastasiades.“Moreover, sharing the same objectives on the future of our common Mediterranean Sea, our active participation in the Med Group provides us the platform to tackle common challenges and realities that affect our region”, he added.
Furthermore, President Anastasiades expressed his strong support and respect to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. “What is of utmost importance at this point is to secure, through diplomacy and dialogue, the immediate ceasefire to stop the tragic loss of innocent lives”, he said, adding that Cyprus and its people have their own tragic experiences of foreign invasion, following the illegal Turkish military invasion and occupation since 1974.
He also expressed his deep appreciation for Italy’s principled stance on the Cyprus issue and its consistent support on our efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement, based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation, with political equality as defined in UN resolutions. President Anastasiades pointed out that Turkey continues unabated with its illegal plans in the fenced area of Varosha, in full defiance of the relevant Security Council resolutions.
He stated that he remains focused in creating conducive conditions for the resumption of the negotiating process the soonest possible, by putting forward a proposal consisting of win-win and far-reaching Confidence Building Measures to end the ongoing impasse and pave the way for peace talks to resume.
President Anastasiades expressed his “strong commitment and determination to engage once again in results-oriented negotiations for a settlement on the Cyprus issue that will address the legitimate concerns and safeguard the rights of both sides”.
Source: Cyprus News Agency