Rome: Enhancing bilateral relations with Italy is a great priority for the government, President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides has said, noting the close ties of friendship and their common cultural identity. The President was speaking at a meeting on Friday with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, in the framework of the official visit he pays to Rome. Accompanied by First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, the Cypriot President arrived at noon at the Quirinal Palace, where he was welcomed by the Italian President, along with his daughter Laura Mattarella. After the official welcome ceremony, the two Presidents held extended talks with the participation of delegations of the two countries.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides said that his official visit is taking place 14 years after the last official visit by a President of the Republic of Cyprus to Italy, and two years after President Mattarella's visit to Cyprus. He added that President Mattarella's official visit was the first ever by an Italian President to Cyprus.
He also noted that he was visiting Italy at a very important time for Cyprus, as the Republic of Cyprus assumed since January the Presidency of the Council of the EU, adding that he is in Rome to coordinate with the Italian Government, in the joint effort for a more autonomous Union, more open to the world.
"At the same time, enhancing our bilateral relations is a great priority for my Government and I am very glad that yesterday with Italian Prime Minister Meloni we agreed to work together towards the institutionalisation of our cooperation, with the aim of upgrading our bilateral relationship in a strategic nature," he added.
Furthermore, President Christodoulides expressed his gratitude to President Mattarella for the fact that later in the afternoon they will jointly inaugurate a flagship archaeological exhibition noting that the two countries share a common cultural identity and long-standing ties. After the extended talks, the Italian President hosted an official lunch in honor of President Christodoulides.