Nicosia: Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulides welcomed Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Nicosia, calling the visit 'historic' and pledging strong Cypriot support for Moldova's path toward European Union membership. 'Let me welcome you. We are very glad to have you in what I consider a historic visit, 22 years since the last visit of President Moldovan to Cyprus,' President Christodoulides said as the two leaders met. The visit comes less than three weeks before Cyprus assumes the presidency of the Council of the European Union.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Christodoulides stressed Cyprus' backing for Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity. 'Cyprus fully respects the sovereignty, the territorial integrity of Moldova,' he said, adding that during the Cypriot presidency, Nicosia would do its utmost in order Moldova to have substantial progress in its European Union accession process. He praised Moldova's reform efforts and 'clear European orientation,' assuring Sandu that Cyprus would remain a supporter during the presidency and even after the presidency.
Sandu thanked Christodoulides for the warm reception and Cyprus' continued support. 'It's a real pleasure to be here. Thank you for finding the time, even though you're very busy with preparing for the EU presidency,' she said. The Moldovan President described EU membership as a national priority. 'We have big hopes for your presidency. As you know, Moldova is very committed to become a new member state,' she noted, stressing that her government is working 'to reform and to raise to the standards that EU wants us to raise.'
Sandu also highlighted Moldova's resilience amid external pressure. 'We've been dealing with significant interference from Russia during the elections that we had. It hasn't been easy, but we have shown that we're resilient, that we cherish democracy, that we want Moldova to stay sovereign and part of the free world,' she said. She also said that she was very happy to have the chance to discuss bilateral cooperation with Cyprus.
President Sandu arrived at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia at 10:15, where she received an official welcome from the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides. Upon her arrival, military honor guards paid tribute, while the Police Philharmonic performed the national anthems of both countries. President Sandu also laid a wreath at the statue of the first President of the Republic of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace.