President Nicos Anastasiades will be in London from 14-17 January, where he is scheduled to meet British Prime Minister David Cameron.
During his visit to London, the President will give a public lecture at the Hellenic Observatory of the London School of Economics, on Thursday 16 January, according to the LSE website.
The lecture on “The true story about the geopolitical role of Cyprus: David or Goliath?" will be presented by professor Kevin Featherstone.
In relation with the lecture, the LSE website notes that “the identity of Cyprus is defined by constants such as its geographical location in the Eastern Mediterranean, its history, the identity of its people, its membership in the European Union. The Eastern Mediterranean is prone to instability mainly due to the recurrence of conflicts, possession of advanced weapons in unreliable hands, terrorism, and the conflicting interests of countries of the region and third countries.”
In addition, it says that the roles that the respective countries, regional and international organisations play in the Eastern Mediterranean are different and complementary; as such they can enrich and strengthen present and potential bilateral and regional cooperation.
To that effect, bilateral and regional interaction is of vital importance, it adds.
“The geopolitical role of Cyprus is a dynamic and ever-changing process, the evolution of which depends on the identity of Cyprus and the environment in which Cyprus operates. Cyprus’ primary aim is to ensure peace, stability and prosperity of its people and to contribute to the peace, stability and prosperity of the peoples in the Eastern Mediterranean as a whole.”
However, the LSE website points out, this is not an easy aim to meet in view of the complex challenges Cyprus is called upon to face.
The same day, early in the morning, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, who will accompany President Anastasiades to London, will speak at Chatham House on "Gas and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean: Prospects for the Region”, according to the Chatham House website.
The event will be chaired by Robin Niblett, Director at Chatham House.
The Ministers of Finance and Energy Haris Georgiades and George Lakotrypis are also expected to be in London with the President.
