President of the Republic Demetris Christofias has welcomed the significant number of important Russian companies based in Cyprus and assured that he would continue to make their operations from here “as comfortable as possible''.
Addressing the 18th International Business Conference “Russia and Emerging Markets: Ways to avoid global financial crisis”, in Limassol, organised by Otkritie Financial Corporation and RBC, President Christofias said the number of Russian tourists to Cyprus has increased by 30% last year and indications are that the same increase will be achieved this year.
In the past few years Cyprus has ranked as one of the major investors in Russia, he added.
''Cyprus and its people are indeed grateful to the Russian government and the Russian people for their long standing support in the efforts to find a peaceful solution of bizonal, bicommunal federation to the Cyprus question, based on Security Council resolutions, international law and European values'', he noted.
Such a settlement, he said, will reunify the island and its people and give them opportunities for prosperity, peace and enjoyment of their fundamental freedoms in a secure environment.
The Republic of Cyprus, which is a full EU member since May 2004, is a strong advocate of growing cooperation between the EU and Russia, he added. ''We believe in the strategic character of this relationship since Russia is very important for European prosperity and security and vice versa'', he stressed.
President Christofias said Cyprus offers a strategic location, favourable tax environment, educated and multilingual workforce, excellent telecommunications, modern banking, accounting and legal infrastructure which make the country the perfect business bridge for the European Union, Russia and Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.
''Our country has a proven record of macroeconomic stability and has recently joined the Eurozone. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Cyprus has established itself as a key outpost in the eastern Mediterranean from which to launch a business or investment venture, taking advantage of the low corporate tax and more than 40 Treaties of Avoidance of Double Taxation, concluded with countries across the globe'', he added.
President Christofias said Cyprus aspires to become one of the region’ s economic and financial operations centres, a communications and transport hub, a destination which provides excellent medical care and a meeting place for peoples and cultures.
Moreover, he added, life in Cyprus for foreign investors and their families is pleasant with 360 days of sunshine annually and one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.
''I would like to welcome you to Cyprus and invite you, besides attending this important conference, to explore the plethora of opportunities Cyprus has to offer'', he concluded.
