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President of the Republic Demetris Christofias expressed appreciation on Thursday for the stance the Russian Federation has been maintaining on the Cyprus problem, and assured that he would strive ''to further develop our economic cooperation and facilitate any business and investment activity.''
In a speech at a forum for investments in Cyprus and Russia, organised by the Cyprus-Russia Business Association and the Cyprus-Russia Friendship Association in Nicosia, President Christofias said he would do everything possible to promote ''this excellent fraternal relationship between our two countries and peoples.''
Referring to the global financial crisis, President Christofias said that, apart from risks, it brings with it opportunities, and ''it is these new opportunities that we are called upon to not only investigate but exploit to the benefit of the economies of both our countries.''
He said the political, cultural and economic relations between Cyprus and Russia are flourishing, noting that ''there is always room for improvement, we can and must continue to cultivate these ties, with a mutual interest, contributing to the growth of our economies.''
President Christofias said that Cyprus, as an EU member and a bridge to the Middle East and North Africa, is ''a dynamic and competitive economy,'' which encourages and appreciates foreign investment, as well as Cypriot investments abroad.
He pointed out that the Russian Federation remains a high priority country for Cyprus in the financial sector, noting that ''our two countries enjoy privileged mutual treatment as financial partners and there is an upgraded cooperation between the authorities of the two countries.''
Furthermore, President Christofias said tourism from Russia to Cyprus is increasing and assured that ''we are doing everything possible to simplify the procedure for issuing visas for Russian tourists.''
''Cyprus considers the strategic alliance between the EU and Russia as one of the foundations of global stability and peace. Cyprus has the privilege to be a member of the EU and an historical friend of Russia,'' he added.
He also referred to his recent trip to Moscow, which proved that the relationship between Cyprus and Russia is exemplary.
Regarding the political sector, President Christofias said the relationship of the two countries is based on mutual respect and is very promising, and pointed out the importance of the joint declaration signed during his visit to Moscow with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev. The declaration contains provisions for their bilateral relations and cooperation, and sets out a common approach to international developments, the role of the UN and the new state of order.
President Christofias expressed appreciation and gratitude for the stance Moscow maintains of the Cyprus problem, noting that the joint declaration clearly states Russia's support for a comprehensive, just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem, based on UN resolutions and the high level agreements of 1977 and 1979, the evolution of the Republic of Cyprus into a bizonal bicommunal federation, with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international identity, with political equality, as provided for in relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
He added that Russia supports a mutually acceptable solution between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities, without arbitration or suffocating deadlines, which will also guarantee the Cypriot ownership of the negotiating process.
Furthermore, President Christofias said, ''we share the proposals of the Russian leadership to build a new global security system,'' noting that these proposals are ''alternatives for the existing global security system, with a reference to the respect of all principles emanating from the UN Constitutional Charter.''
