Minister of State for Europe and North America of the UK, Stephen Doughty, said that he had very constructive meetings ahead of the settlement talks in Geneva.
Doughty, had a meeting with theGreek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides on Friday afternoon.
Christodoulides described the visit as “historic” and said that “I am very glad that we are working to enhance our bilateral relations at all levels, from defence and security to education and trade”.
He also referred to “the very strong and vibrant Cypriot community in the UK”, elements which, he said, collectively set the basis to enhance the bilateral relationship.
Christodoulides also welcomed the British Prime Minister’s “new approach” to the EU, adding that Cyprus will be an “honest broker on many important issues” to be dealt with during the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council in 2026.
In his remarks to the media following the meeting, the British Minister said that this is not his first time in Cyprus and that he is “hugely proud of the deep and historical relations between the United Kingdom and Cyprus”, adding that there is a strong Cypriot community in his own hometown in Cardiff.
“It was a pleasure to be back here. I had very constructive meetings today, particularly discussing issues relating to our bilateral relationship, the geopolitical circumstances and also, crucially, ahead of the settlement talks in Geneva in about ten days’ time, I have had an excellent meeting with President Christodoulides and a meeting with Mr. Tatar. We have had constructive discussions today and I look forward to deepening our relationship even further», he concluded.
( Source: CNA)
