The Republic of Bulgaria is an important partner and ally of Cyprus, President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias said on Monday during an official dinner hosted by President Georgi Parvanov.
President Christofias stressed that for 34 years now, “Cypriots are faced with the harsh reality of the invasion and occupation of our territory and patiently wait for the human rights and welfare of all Cypriots to be restored”.
“For this reason, we are working with the help of our friends and partners, such as Bulgaria, for the reunification of our homeland, securing a permanent, viable and functional solution within the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, which will be in line with the principles and values of the EU, on the basis of UN resolutions, the 1977 and 1979 High Level Agreements and international law principles”, the Cypriot President said.
President Christofias stressed that bilateral relations are excellent, something which both countries acknowledge, adding that there are possibilities to further enhance them. He also said that progress as far as cooperation on the political, economic and cultural level is concerned, paves the way for enhancing and deepening bilateral relations. “This prospect is especially favourable following Bulgaria’s accession to the EU”, President Christofias said.
Bulgaria, he pointed out, has achieved, with great effort and consistency, its position in European politics and economy and Cyprus has supported with all its might Bulgaria’s accession course, proving the excellent relations between the two countries. “It is not by chance that Cyprus was among the four first EU members which proceeded with the unanimous decision of the House of Representatives, to sanction Bulgaria’s Accession Treaty to the EU on 27 October 2005. It is not by chance that the Republic of Cyprus is among the countries, which did not impose any restrictions for Bulgarian workers to come to Cyprus, he added.
With Bulgaria’s presence in the EU, said President Christofias, prospects for business cooperation are enhanced while the unified economic area for investments and economic opportunities for both countries widens. “The continued upgrading of business cooperation between Cyprus and Bulgaria can constitute a lever to improve productivity and competitiveness in the economies of both countries”, the President said.
The EU, he continued, does not constitute the starting point of Bulgaria and Cyprus’ relations but a “certification” that these countries have traditionally developed relations with common vision, aims and values.
“Our common European future is a guarantee for the generations to come and a new beginning in further developing and upgrading relations in many sectors”, he concluded.
