Delegations from Germany and Cyprus hold discussions at the Presidential Palace in the context of the official visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the first of its kind since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. President Christodoulides described the visit as “historic”, while the German President said that he has already visited Cyprus twice as Foreign Minister, adding that “we are living in times of significant challenges in the region.”
At 9 in the morning, the President of Germany was officially welcomed by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides. During the welcoming ceremony, the national anthems of Germany and Cyprus were played, while an honour guard paid tribute.
President Steinmeier laid a wreath at the monument of Archbishop Makarios III, while the Presidents of Cyprus and Germany greeted the delegations of the two countries.
They then proceeded to the entrance of the Presidential Palace, where a red carpet was laid out, and they shook han
ds in front of the building’s entrance before entering.
Brief medal ceremonies for the two Presidents followed. The President of the Republic awarded the Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios III to the German President. This was followed by a private meeting and extended discussions between the delegations of the two countries.
President Christodoulides welcomed his counterpart and spoke of a historic visit which coincides with the anniversary of 50 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and continued occupation, as well as 20 years from ‘the most important development in the history of Cyprus, its EU accession,’ a presidency press release said.
He added that bilateral relations between Cyprus and Germany are excellent, noting that the two countries work together in the EU and have the same positions about many important regional and international issues.
Addressing his German counterpart, President Christodoulides said that ‘you are visiting a region which is facing serious challenges.’
Cyprus, he
pointed out, ‘is the closest EU member in the region, a country which has excellent relations with all neighbouring states and we try our utmost to create conditions of stability.’
“I look forward to our talks, bearing in mind that my first visit since taking office was to Berlin where I met with the Chancellor, and I am confident that your visit will pave the way for strengthening our bilateral relations, but also to address common challenges,” President Christodoulides noted.
We must discuss the future of our common European family, he added, noting that Cyprus is in favor of European integration”. The President said that Steinmeier has a lot of experience and, among other things, has served as Foreign Minister during difficult times for Europe and the region.
In his statements, the President of Germany said that he has already visited Cyprus twice as Foreign Affairs Minister, adding that we are living in times of intense challenges in the region, but also that Europe is suffering from the war in Ukraine
.
He further referred to the situation in the Middle East, noting that a solution must be found to the enormous humanitarian crisis unfolding due to the war.
Subsequently, the two Presidents will make statements to the media.
Source: Cyprus News Agency