Cyprus President Christofias: cooperation with Greece very good

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias has praised relations with Greece, stressing the close cooperation and support it offers in efforts for a Cyprus settlement.

He was speaking after meeting Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis on Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The Greek Minister said the Cyprus issue is the prime national issue.

In his statements, Christofias said they reviewed issues of common interest and he informed in detail Bakoyannis on the progress of the ongoing peace talks between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities, “the good points and the problems we are facing and exchanged views on how things progress”.

President Christofias also said that Bakoyannis informed him about her efforts as far as the Skopje issue is concerned and they examined European issues and common action within the EU.

The Cypriot President thanked Bakoyannis and the Greek government for their support and added: “Greece is on our side and this is an answer to all those who say that Greece does not care. It has in interest in Cyprus, we maintain friendly relations, we have close cooperation.”

In her statements, Bakoyannis said that cooperation between the two countries is continuous and coordination necessary, adding they need to convey a concerted message during their meetings with leaders to become more effective.

“Greece is present, a supporter of Cyprus in all efforts. I do not need to repeat that the Cyprus issue is the top national priority for us and we are making all efforts” to help Cyprus, she added.

Cooperation between the two countries on other issues is just as good, she added.

President Christofias will address later Wednesday the UN General Assembly.

Talks, which began earlier this month between President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, aim at reuniting Cyprus, divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third