Press Releases

Cyprus will host the 2nd Cyprus-Serbia Intergovernmental Conference before the end of the current year, the President of the Republic Mr. Nicos Anastasiades announced today, while underlining the close relations between Cyprus and Serbia as well as the strong bonds of friendship between the people of the two countries.

In his remarks to the media after his meeting with the President of Serbia Mr. Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade, the President of the Republic said, among other things, that the desire for further deepening this mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of our people is also considered as a given by both sides.

"In this framework, it was agreed that Cyprus hosts in Nicosia, before the end of the current year, the 2nd Intergovernmental Conference between Cyprus and Serbia, along with the arrangement of a business forum, with the aim to explore the strengthening of cooperation also in the economic, commercial and tourism fields as well as in other sectors of common interest."

With regard to Serbia's European course, President Anastasiades expressed his conviction that in the near future Serbia will constitute part of the European Union and stressed that "Serbia can always count on the commitment of Cyprus to act as a trustworthy friend within the Union."

Referring to the Cyprus problem, President Anastasiades said that he briefed the President of Serbia about the determination of our side "to continue the dialogue, always under the auspices of the good offices mission of the UN Secretary-General, and with the ultimate goal to find a solution that establishes a truly independent, sovereign state, away from any guarantees or intervention rights and with the withdrawal of every occupation army, so that we can function as a normal state as the UN Secretary-General has also stated. The expression of the intention by the UN Secretary-General, a few days ago, to send a specific special envoy who will have contacts with the parties involved in the Cyprus problem, is an opportunity that has been set before us and  through which we hope the intentions of the two sides will be clarified and positive results will be reached that will allow the immediate resumption of the talks."

On his part, President Vučić, speaking through an interpreter, said, among other things, that Serbia appreciates the position and support of the Republic of Cyprus with regard to the issues that concern his country, noting that both the people of Cyprus and President Anastasiades personally have reconfirmed it on many occasions. 

President Vučić expressed the wish for reaching a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem, noting that his country maintains over the years a position of principles on the issue.

Earlier, at a special ceremony, the President of the Republic was presented by the President of Serbia with the Order of the Republic of Serbia on Sach, the Highest Award of the Serbian Republic, and President Vučić was presented with the Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios III by President Anastasiades.

The President of the Republic also met with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia Mrs. Maja Gojković and attended a working lunch with the Prime Minister of Serbia Mrs. Ana Brnabić. 

----------------------------------

RM/II