Prague: The new Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the Czech Republic, Aliki Paschali, met with the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, to discuss the Cyprus issue and explore the potential for resuming negotiations aimed at finding a solution within the agreed framework.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Paschali presented her credentials to President Pavel during a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Prague. Following the ceremony, the Ambassador and the President held a private meeting to discuss bilateral relations and avenues for enhancement.
During the meeting, Paschali conveyed the greetings of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to which President Pavel responded in kind. An invitation was also extended for President Pavel to undertake an official visit to Cyprus.
Ambassador Paschali further briefed President Pavel on the Cyprus Question, emphasizing the prospects for resuming negotiations. Discussions also included Cyprus’ role as a security facilitator in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, highlighting the ‘ESTIA’ and ‘AMALTHEA’ initiatives, which drew particular interest from President Pavel.
Additionally, Paschali informed the Czech President about the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union scheduled for the first half of 2026. Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 due to Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern area, with numerous UN-led peace negotiations failing to reach a resolution. The most recent talks, held in July 2017 in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ended without a resolution.