Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides reiterated their respective governments’ commitment to finding a way forward in talks for the reunification of Cyprus, during a joint press conference in Nicosia on Wednesday, following the conclusion of the 2nd Cyprus-Greece Intergovernmental Summit.
Mitsotakis said that Greece will not accept the legitimization of the faits accomplis regarding the Cyprus issue, emphasizing that the improved climate in Greek-Turkish relations presents an opportunity for meaningful discussions.
“We will not accept the legitimization of the faits accomplis nor the perpetuation of a tragedy that has lasted for 50 years,” he said.
“There is favorable momentum for the resumption of talks after a long period of stagnation. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of Nicosia and Athens, we see indications of progress. Our unwavering goal is a fair and sustainable solution, always rooted in the decisions of the United Nations Security Council,” Mitsotakis added.
Christodoulides echoed the importance of Greece and Cyprus’ partnership, emphasizing their joint commitment to promoting regional stability. He stressed that breaking the impasse on the Cyprus issue is his government’s top priority, stating that the current status quo is not an acceptable future for the Cypriot people.
“Ending the Turkish occupation and achieving reunification is our number one priority,” he stressed.
“We are two states with excellent relations with our neighbors, demonstrating that we are pillars of stability in the southeastern Mediterranean. Through concrete actions, we have strengthened our geopolitical footprint,” Christodoulides stated.
Mitsotakis is also in Nicosia to take part in the fourth Cyprus-Greece-Jordan Trilateral Summit, which will take place on Wednesday, with the participation of King Abdullah of Jordan.