Nicosia: Greece’s steadfast support for the Republic of Cyprus was reaffirmed during a meeting between Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides and Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Loverdos at the Presidential Palace.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Loverdos, visiting Cyprus for the World Conference of Overseas Cypriots, stated, “Greece will always stand by Cyprus – wherever help is needed and in whatever way we can assist.” President Christodoulides welcomed Loverdos, emphasizing the significant role of the diaspora and the importance of the Conference. He highlighted that the overseas Cypriot and Greek community serves as “the best ambassadors of Cyprus and Greece abroad,” especially as they hold influential positions while maintaining strong ties to their heritage.
Christodoulides stressed the importance of engaging the diaspora further and working closely together. On bilateral relations, he described ties with Greece as fraternal and noted a shift toward broader cooperation beyond traditional issues like the Cyprus problem and defense. Recent intergovernmental consultations between the two countries have addressed digital governance, education, shipping, and citizen services as examples of this evolving partnership.
Loverdos expressed appreciation for the hospitality and conveyed warm regards from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the Greek government. He identified the demographic challenge as a shared concern and stressed the need for strategic responses. He reiterated that the Cyprus issue is “not a bilateral issue between Greece and Turkey, but an international issue,” urging collective efforts toward implementing UN resolutions for a just solution.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have failed to yield results. A second informal meeting on Cyprus was held in New York on July 16-17, 2025, with another meeting anticipated later this year. UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres announced a commitment to continuing dialogue and plans to meet jointly with Cyprus leaders during the General Assembly high-level week in September.