In an address to anaudience at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), he said his visit was a landmark in the development of Cyprus’ relations with Russia.
“During yesterday’s meetings both sides had the opportunity to reaffirm our reciprocal political engagement to the same fundamental cause… deepening our cooperation and further solidifying the deep political, cultural and religious links between our countries and peoples, which have proved, from the period of the Soviet Union, resilient both through time and a number of different challenges,” he said.
He also expressed his satisfaction for the “vote of confidence, trust and faith which the Russian people, in particular the vibrant Russian community residing in Cyprus, as well as the Russian Business Community, has been displaying to Cyprus and its economic and banking system”.
“This is a most important demonstration of the principle of solidarity which has been characterising our relations and also proves that Cyprus and Russia continue to enjoy a mutually beneficial partnership which, founded on a concrete basis, has a prosperous future: A partnership which both countries aim at further deepening and strengthening,” he added.
Anastasaides also said his visit was timely given that both countries were facing economic and political situations “of particular difficulty” while at the same time being called to address and effectively contain a series of challenges in a very complicated international environment.
“And I am pleased to note that during yesterday’s meetings, especially with President Putin, the consistent constructive approach of Cyprus has been appreciated by the Russian side, proving that the bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and Russia has withstood the regretful developments in EU – Russia relation,” he added.
He said Cyprus was willing to shift the paradigm and “take the big leap that will unleash our potential of long term cooperation between EU and Russia based on common interests and reciprocal benefits or whether we will linger on a stalled strategic relationship”.
Source: Cyprus Mail
