Three facets of the Cyprus problem were discussed during President Nicos Anstasiades’ meeting with UK Prime Minister Theresa May in London on Tuesday.
In statements after the meeting government spokesperson Nikos Christodoulides said that President Anastasiades and PM May had discussed the issue of the evolution of the Republic of Cyprus after a solution, the security and guarantees issue, and the territory and property issues.
UK ready to help in security issue
Specifically, on the security and guarantees chapter of the ongoing Cyprus negotiations, Christodoulides said that PM May has stated that the UK is ready to help, either through the United Nations Security Council or some other method.
Mentioning the traditional role the UK has played on the island [as one of the guarantor powers], Christodoulides said that, although important, the PM has reiterated that they are not demanding the role of a guarantor power, but are ready to play whichever role is asked of them and do whatever is decided by both communities.
Bilateral relations-Brexit on the discussion table
During their meeting President Anastasiades and PM May discussed the bilateral relations between Cyprus and the UK.
Christodoulides said that the topics discussed included: “Firstly our bilateral relations, and the need – after the recent referendum on Brexit – to not only maintain them, but to strengthen them even further. In this framework there was also a discussion on the negotiations between London and Brussels, which are expected to start as soon as the British government decides to enact article 50.”
He added that there is a need to achieve a smooth transition from the current state of affairs to the new situation.
Birthday wishes to Anastasiades
After their meeting at 4:00 pm, PM May said that relations between the UK and Cyprus have developed very well and this progress can be built on.
The PM then wished President Anastasiades well for his birthday, which is today, and gave him a present.
President Anastasiades thanked the UK PM and said that during their meeting opinions had been exchanged, and the two had brainstormed bilateral relations, the Brexit, and the Cyprus problem.
“I am sure that the bonds that have tied us for decades will continue in the future,” he said.
Read more here.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
