Strengthening bilateral relations between Cyprus and Croatia and continuing support to Ukraine were the main messages by the President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades and the Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plencovic, who was hosted tonight at an official dinner at the Presidential Palace, as he is paying an official visit to Cyprus.
According to a Presidency’s statement, President Anastasiades said, speaking at the dinner, that this is a historic visit since it constitutes the first ever official visit of a Croatian Prime Minister to Cyprus, adding that “it not only reflects our joint commitment to build closer ties between our two countries, but it also comes at a significant milestone as next year we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries”.
“I wish to reaffirm is the high importance that my Government and I personally attach to the further enhancement of our relationship, which draws its strength from a common adherence to democratic values and norms and a genuine friendship”, said President Anastasiades, adding that Prime Minister Plenkovic is a dedicated European, with whom he has a strong convergence of views, “stemming from our pursuit to make the European Union stronger and more cohesive in an ever- changing international environment”.
Referring to the situation in Ukraine, Anastasiades said that as we continue to stand firm by Ukraine, almost three months after the Russian invasion the situation still remains unpredictable, adding that as the war in Ukraine is happening on European soil inevitably Cypriots relive the trauma and tragedy caused by the Turkish war crimes in Cyprus.
“As in the case of Ukraine as well, the so-called Turkish “peaceful operation” of 1974, resulted in the illegal occupation of 37% of Cyprus, and the death and displacement of tens of thousands of people,” he stressed.
Concluding, President Anastasiades expressed his appreciation, “not only for Croatia’s principled stance on the Cyprus issue, but also for your continued personal interest and support in our efforts to reach a lasting and viable solution in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the EU acquis”.
On his part, the Prime Minister of Croatia said, among other things, that with President Anastasiades “we have been friends for almost six years. I have learned a lot from Nicos, he is fantastic, his advocacy skills, his love for Cyprus and his determination to fight for the national interests”, adding that President Anastasiades “with dignity, always with argument and decency defended the national interests of Cyprus”.
The Croatian Prime Minister said that Europe is a common destiny for Cyprus and Croatia and a common destiny for more than 450 million Europeans who share the same values, adding that Croats and Cypriots are linked with the Mediterranean, the sea that links both countries in civilisations terms, in cultural terms and in historic terms, but also today, he added, in commercial, transport and energy terms.
«It is important to use this opportunity of the first official visit of a Croatian Prime Minister to Cyprus to put forward all the ideas and all the potential of our cooperation that I am sure will gain a new momentum after the visit», he noted.
Prime Minister Plencovic underlined that Cyprus and Croatia had a similar struggle for independence and had to make their voice heard in the international community and this similarity makes it easier to understand what is important for Cyprus.
He noted that «our principled position is respect for your sovereignty and for your territorial integrity», adding that Croatia also had its territories occupied in the 90s, therefore «we understand the pain and difficult moments that you are going through. Your situation is lasting for much longer unfortunately».
He said that the situation in Croatia was resolved through negotiations, through the involvement of the United Nations and with a lot of political will, determination and ability, and that should be inspiring when it comes to similar situations.
“We would like to extend this knowhow to similar situations and one of them is the one you have here. And that is why we have always been by your side in the international fora, in the UN, in the debates and other international organisations fully supporting your positions because we understand them and they are in accordance with the values and the principles that we share”, he added.
As regards Ukraine, he mentioned that “we are all witnessing the incredible violation of international law and international order as we know it by Russia against Ukraine. This war has triggered not only a tremendous humanitarian tragedy for almost 30 million displaced Ukrainians within the country, for almost six million of them who are now refugees who had to flee for their lives in the neighbouring countries and across Europe, but also the unseen spike of energy prices that is reflecting the lives of our citizens and the very existence of our economies».
In relation to the energy crisis, he noted that no one safe from this situation and therefore “we should work jointly on solutions that put together our national efforts and our joint European efforts, because a big problem requires big solutions, creative minds and a lot of cooperation”.
“Croatia and Cyprus have always been on the same side of supporting the best solutions for Europe, for our countries and our citizens”, he concluded.
Source: Cyprus News Agency