Press Releases

It is with distinct honour that I join you all this evening to celebrate the Day of Russia.  

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our host, Ambassador Osadchiy, for his kind invitation to attend this wonderful reception and for his tireless efforts to further enhance the already excellent relationship which the Russian Federation and Cyprus enjoy.

A relationship founded on concrete and deeply-entrenched political, economic, cultural, religious and people-to-people ties, which is greatly valued by the Government and the people of Cyprus and one which we actively aim to qualitatively upgrade even further.

In this regard, I am pleased to assess that during my recent meeting with President Putin in Beijing it was reaffirmed that our goal remains no other than to explore new areas of beneficial cooperation, as well as enhance existing collaborations.

I wish to concentrate on an important pillar of the relationship between Cyprus and Russia which demonstrates the quality and depth of our relations: The economic cooperation, business and investments collaborations which are supported and promoted in a systematic manner, always in line with international standards and obligations.

On behalf of the Government, I wish to convey in the strongest terms that the business community of the Russian Federation, either in Cyprus or abroad, can rest assured that Cyprus will remain a reliable partner and further advance its position as a significant international hub for Russian and Cypriot business and investment synergies. 

Furthermore, the vibrant Russian community residing in Cyprus constitutes a fundamental pillar of the increasingly stronger and deeper relationship we are witnessing, as also evident by the vast and increasing attendance at the Cyprus - Russian Festival held annually in celebration of the long-standing historic and solid relations of our countries at all levels and in all fields.

During my recent meeting with President Putin I had the opportunity to thoroughly brief him on the latest developments on the Cyprus Problem and the efforts of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General aimed at resuming the negotiating process.

At the same time, I once again reiterated my strong commitment to continue working with determination in order to reach a viable comprehensive settlement that will reunite Cyprus as a truly independent and modern state, free of any foreign dependencies, for the benefit of our people and the future generations.

Unfortunately, Turkey’s illegal actions within our Exclusive Economic Zone, in violation of International and EU law, do not create a climate conducive to engaging in a new round of talks. At the same time, such actions endanger security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, an already highly – volatile region.

And taking this opportunity, I would like to express the sincere appreciation of the Government on Russia’s full solidarity on this critical matter and the strong support to the Republic of Cyprus exercising its sovereign rights to explore, exploit and develop its natural resources within its Exclusive Economic Zone.

Naturally, I would also like to convey the gratitude of the people of the Republic of Cyprus for Russia’s principled position on the Cyprus Problem and the long-standing support to reach a viable and functional settlement, in line with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and EU values and principles.

We also vastly appreciate your country’s firm support to UNFICYP’s mandate and we have no doubt, particularly in view of recent provocations by the Turkish army at Denia area, that you will continue advancing the position of neither altering its mandate nor down-sizing its personnel. 

In concluding, I have no doubt that the principles of mutual respect and solidarity will continue to characterize the relations between our two countries and that we will continue enjoying a beneficial partnership; a partnership which has a prosperous future.

Please join me in raising our glasses to the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Russian Federation and to the friendship between our nations.

(RM/NN/SCH)