France remains ready to contribute to a settlement in Cyprus aimed at a just and lasting solution for the island, for the benefit of all Cypriots, based on a federal model founded on the principle of political equality as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, French Ambassador in Nicosia, Clélia Chevrier Kolačko, said on Tuesday evening.
Political equality
In her speech during an event in Nicosia to celebrate the Bastille Day, she said that "France continues to support the ongoing dialogue between the parties in Cyprus, which should lead to the resumption of negotiations under the auspices of the UN".
In this context, she added, Paris welcomes the commitment of Secretary-General Guterres and reiterates its full support for the efforts of his Personal Envoy, María Ángela Holguín.
"What is referred to as the status quo is not one, as it may lead to a deterioration of the situation. France therefore remains ready to contribute to a settlement aimed at a just and lasting solution for the island, for the benefit of all Cypriots, based on a federal model founded on the principle of political equality as set out in the relevant Security Council resolutions," she underlined.
Steadfast support
In his remarks, representing the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus, Michael Damianos, thanked France for its principled and consistent support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as its steadfast commitment to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus Issue, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, the principles and values of the European Union.
The Minister said that France has always been much more than a close European partner for Cyprus, adding that "true partnerships are defined by actions, especially in times of uncertainty".
"Recent developments in our region have demonstrated France’s steadfast support for Cyprus. They have reaffirmed that our Strategic Partnership is expressed not only through agreements, but also through concrete solidarity," he stressed.
Referring to the bilateral relations, he noted that they have never been stronger. "They have evolved into a truly multi-dimensional partnership, spanning foreign policy, defence and security, energy, education and culture".
Energy
Regarding the sector of energy, he said that it has become one of the defining pillars of this partnership.
"France has been a longstanding and reliable partner in supporting the development of Cyprus' energy potential," he pointed out.
Damianos noted that "our cooperation in the energy sector illustrates how Cyprus and France can jointly advance both national and European strategic priorities. This is but one example of the breadth and maturity of our bilateral cooperation".
Today, he concluded, "our partnership stands as a model of how two EU Member States, united by shared values and strategic interests, can translate political trust into practical cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for our peoples, strengthens the EU and contributes to peace, security and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean".
Meanwhile, the French Ambassador, referring to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, she said that its timing was crucial "with an unprecedented array of challenges to be overcome" and she thanked "all the Cypriot authorities who rallied together to make it a success".
Culture, education and economy
For the Embassy, she pointed out, the Cyprus Presidency was an opportunity to develop and deepen bilateral relations and mutual understanding. She recalled that many French Ministers MPs, senior civil servants and representatives from various sectors visited Cyprus, stressing that President Macron travelled to the island twice.
She also referred to the strategic partnership between the two countries, noting that the results are already obvious in the economic sphere, in the cultural sphere, in research, in education, in the diplomatic sphere, and, in the field of security and defence.
Finally, the French Ambassador thanked the Republic of Cyprus for the support it provided in the fight against the wildfires ravaging the south of France.
Source: CNA
