Cyprus economy is on the way of stabilization and the progress of the country concerning the implementation of the economic adjustment programme, is remarkable, Germany`s new Ambassador to Cyprus Nikolai von Schoepff has said, presenting his credentials to President Anastasiades.
Receiving the credentials, President Anastasiades reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to implementing the Memorandum of Understanding agreed with the Troika and pointed out that the way forward is not easy, but he had absolute confidence that the spirit of unity and the drive to succeed already demonstrated by the people of Cyprus, would prevail.
The German Ambassador referred to bilateral relations and noted that `we are members of the European Union and the Eurogroup and the contacts between our countries are intense and the fields of cooperation are already vast today`.
Regarding Cyprus` economy, von Schoepff said it is `on the way of stabilization and the progress of the country concerning the implementation of the economic adjustment programme, is remarkable`.
`Your government has successfully completed four rounds of review by the group of international lenders, having met the main conditions requested in the Memorandum of Understanding`, he said, adding that Cyprus’ return to the international financial markets and the improved scores of the international rating agencies are tangible results of the policy implemented.
Referring to the Cyprus issue, he said `the German government welcomes any tangible progress towards a comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem` and noted that it was important to maintain a positive momentum in the negotiations.
He assured Germany stood ready to play its part in supporting the ongoing negotiations under the auspices of the UN, adding that the settlement of the Cyprus problem would be to the benefit of all Cypriots which is of particular importance at a time of economic uncertainties, and therefore any confidence building measures agreed by the two parties, which could contribute decisively to creating a climate of mutual trust and give impetus to the negotiation process, have to be supported.
Receiving the credentials, President Anastasiades referred to bilateral relations and the sound and close cooperation achieved in the last years between our two countries, noting that Germany is indeed a most valuable partner for Cyprus.
President Anastasiades referred to the sectors of cooperation, noting that `the recent signing of an agreement for providing assistance and facilities to the Federal Government of Germany in case of evacuation operations for the repatriation of German citizens from the wider Middle East area, via Cyprus, in case of a crisis, constitutes a very concrete deliverable in our enhanced cooperation`.
He also assured that on the European front his goal remained `our close and resolute cooperation with the aim of addressing jointly and effectively the common challenges faced by Europe today, so that Europe can emerge sound, stronger and able to offer stability and prosperity to all of its people, and in particularly its youth`.
Referring to the financial situation, President Anastasiades reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to implementing the Memorandum of Understanding agreed with the Troika with the overall aim of returning to a sustainable growth path, and noted that the Government is fully aware of the challenges ahead and is taking measures that aim to reinvigorate the economy, boost investments and create jobs.
`The way forward is not easy, but I have absolute confidence that the spirit of unity and the drive to succeed already demonstrated by the people of Cyprus, will prevail`, he added.
On the Cyprus issue, President Anastasiades said the Government of Cyprus remains committed to continuing its efforts for a just, viable and mutually accepted settlement, and expressed hope that both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side will adopt a constructive stance, with good faith, not only as regards the mutual benefits associated with the implementation of Confidence Building Measures, but, and most importantly, to the efforts of reaching a solution through undertaking practical and substantial steps that will contribute effectively towards this end.
Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
