Press Releases

I am delighted to welcome you, and your delegation, to Cyprus. 

This is our first official meeting, but we already had a number of informal contacts since you assumed office. 

Today is an opportunity for us to reaffirm the continuity of the excellent relations and to declare, once again, the political will to enhance them. 

On this basis, and within this context, I will make four points: 

Firstly, during the first part of our consultations, the robust nature of the historic bilateral relations has been linked with the determination to politically continue towards further enhancing and advancing our cooperation in fields like tourism, defence, education, culture, investment and research. Let me also note that this visit comes as the first follow-up of the third Serbia-Cyprus Intergovernmental Summit that took place in Belgrade in November 2023. 

Secondly, I briefed the Minister on the latest developments as regards the Cyprus problem and I start by expressing in public as well our deep appreciation for the principled stance that Serbia has been keeping in relation to this matter.

Our position is clear: we are ready for negotiations on a viable and lasting solution, on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality as provided by the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions. We will not be moving outside this framework. 

Thirdly, I reiterated Cyprus’ support for Serbia’s European Union (EU) accession process. A process that lies in parallel with the European perspective of the Western Balkans. We remain ready to provide any technical support to Serbia that is needed. We also welcome and encourage Serbia’s efforts to proceed with the necessary reforms that will widen the path towards achieving full membership. 

Lastly, I reiterated Cyprus’ principled position towards Serbia, which is grounded in the principles of international law, regarding territorial integrity and respect for sovereignty. We support the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, and we welcome Serbia’s consistent and constructive engagement, which unfortunately is not being reciprocated. Therefore, I expressed our concern regarding, firstly, the stalemate in the negotiations and secondly, the unilateral and highly obstructive actions by Pristina. 

Dear Minister, dear Marko, 

Cyprus and Serbia have been proven numerous times to be valuable and reliable friends. Predictable partners, especially in times of uncertainty. Rest assured that this is something on which we will be continuing to work together, making this relationship develop in order to fully explore all the untapped potential that still remains. 

I look forward to the continuation of our deliberations and to welcoming you, and the Serbian delegation, in Lefkosia for the fourth Intergovernmental Summit between our two countries. 

Thank you.

(ΜP/GS/ΝΖ)