Newly appointed Greek Foreign Minister Demetris Droutsas said here Wednesday that his two-day visit to Cyprus aims at conveying the message that the Cyprus issue remains a top priority for the Greek foreign policy.
Speaking at Larnaka airport shortly after his arrival Wednesday afternoon, Droutsas said that during his term in office, he will work with his associates to help find a solution in Cyprus so that the last dividing wall in Europe can come down.
In his statement, Droutsas said “I am deeply moved to be in Cyprus. This is my first visit after assuming my new duties. This visit has special significance; it aims to convey the message to all, Cypriot Hellenism and every third party, that the Cyprus issue remains a top priority in Greece’s foreign policy”.
Droutsas said that his government has proved over the past few months with actions and not merely words “that Greece stands by Cyprus and its people”.
He also added that his visit “brings another message, that of unity, cooperation, coordination and I think all these are necessary to achieve our goal”.
The Greek FM also made a personal note during his statement, noting he was born in Nicosia, Cyprus and at the age of five he lived through the Turkish invasion and occupation of the island’s northern third.
“Cyprus is in my heart, I feel for it and I want to assure you that during my term in office I will make every effort both personally and also with the help of my associates and services at the Foreign Ministry, to achieve, at last, a solution for Cyprus, to reunite Cyprus to the benefit of all its legal inhabitants, so that the last wall in Europe will come down,” he stressed.
Droutsas will meet later today with Cyprus Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou and President of the House of Representatives Marios Garoyian. He will also hold separate meetings with leaders or representatives of parliamentary political parties.
Tomorrow, the Greek FM will be received by President of the Republic Demetris Christofias and meet Archbishop Chrysostomos II.
Droutsas will depart for Athens Thursday morning.
