Nicosia: The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU is steadfast in its commitment to achieving tangible progress in the accession negotiations of Serbia and the Western Balkans, as expressed by Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, during her meeting with Nemanja Starovic, Minister of European Integration of Serbia, on Monday morning at the Secretariat for the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Raouna emphasized the significance of President Nikos Christodoulides’ visit to Belgrade in April, marking the commencement of his European tour in preparation for Cyprus’ upcoming EU Presidency. She highlighted that initiating the tour in Serbia was a deliberate signal of Cyprus’ dedication to collaborating closely with Serbia to advance its accession negotiations. Raouna underscored the renewed momentum in the EU enlargement process, stressing the importance of candidate countries making progress in this merit-based and conditionality-driven process.
Raouna further stated the necessity for the EU to reciprocate when partner countries implement key reforms, particularly in areas such as the rule of law. She affirmed Cyprus’ role as honest brokers during its Presidency, emphasizing the strong bilateral relations and deep friendship between Cyprus and Serbia, which are founded on respect for international law and the sovereignty of states. Raouna expressed gratitude for Serbia’s principled stance on the Cyprus question.
Starovic, in response, expressed appreciation for the invitation to visit Cyprus, acknowledging his position as the first minister from the enlargement countries to do so ahead of Cyprus’ EU chairmanship. He conveyed Serbia’s high expectations for Cyprus’ Presidency and the opportunity to address outstanding issues related to the upcoming chairmanship plans. Starovic also praised Cyprus for its longstanding support, referring to the relationship between the two countries as brotherly and based on shared principles of international law. He concluded with a heartfelt message to Cyprus, affirming their unique bond by saying, “There is only one Cyprus,” in Greek.