Cyprus President Christofias begins visit to Stockholm

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias, who is in Sweden on a two-day visit, begins his contacts on Thursday during which he will have consultations with Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt.

He will also have an audience with the King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustav.

According to an official press release, the Cypriot President will hold a series of separate meetings with Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, President of the Swedish Parliament Per Westerberg and leader of the Swedish Left Party Lars Ohly.

In addition, President Christofias will deliver a speech at the Swedish Institute of Foreign Policy on «Cyprus Current Developments and the Way Forward».

President Christofias is accompanied by Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou and Presidential Commissioner George Iacovou.

In statements on Wednesday, Bildt had said that President Christofias’ visit to Stockholm is the result of the Swedish interest in a reunited Cyprus.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Talks to reunite the country were launched on Wednesday between Christofias and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community.