Press Releases

Your Excellency, my dear friend Ararat,

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you, and your delegation, to Cyprus.

Historical, cultural ties, common experiences and a shared set of values, set the framework for our discussions.

We, once again, reaffirmed the strong bilateral relations between our countries and our people. Relations that have been nurtured and tested under very difficult conditions, which are unfortunately continuing.

Today, we had a very productive discussion on a number of issues.

Firstly, on the bilateral level. The opening of Cypriot and Armenian diplomatic missions in Yerevan and Nicosia, respectively, is imminent. This will facilitate the further deepening of the cooperation and the ties between our countries, especially as regards economic cooperation and investments. It will, of course, be expanding the people-to-people contacts that are already in place.

In this context, I would like to mention the very vibrant Armenian community in Cyprus, which is a very valuable part and element of the Cypriot society. They act as a catalyst for keeping our historic links alive and our common heritage strong, and, of course, for boosting our political convergence.

Secondly, I updated the Minister on the recent developments as regards the Cyprus Problem. Suffice to say that the Republic of Cyprus is extremely grateful for the principled position that the Republic of Armenia has been consistently adopting as regards the Cyprus Problem. A position that is founded on International Law and on the United Nations Security Council framework.

I also reaffirmed the Republic of Cyprus’ position that the Republic of Armenia is a friendly country, an ally country that is being tested, and that you have our full and unconditional support. It is a position of principle, a position founded on the values of the international community. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity are not options. They are obligations for everyone, and in all conditions and circumstances.

Thirdly, the Republic of Cyprus strongly promotes and supports the deepening of the relations between the Republic of Armenia and the European Union.

We welcome the two recent developments; the assistance under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of Armenia, and the opening of the Visa Liberalisation Dialogue between the EU and Armenia. These are very significant steps and you can be certain that you have our full support on moving forward on those, and on other files that are opening up in Brussels.

Finally, we discussed the normalisation process between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. We welcome the position that the Armenian Government has adopted in relation as to how there can be progress ahead. And, I want to state the very simple principle; diplomatic discussion, dialogue, is the only way of resolving any kind of disputes. At the same time, coercive tactics cannot be dictating how that dialogue is being conducted.

The sovereignty, territorial integrity -–as I have already mentioned– must be respected, and this is not something that could be negotiated. We express full solidarity with the people of Armenia. We have been trying to support at the humanitarian level, in all ways possible and in full cooperation and coordination.

My dear friend Ararat, let me once again welcome you to Cyprus. It has been a real pleasure to have you here and I look forward to the rest of our discussions today

Thank you.

(MP/MS/AS)