The continuation of the EU’s multifaceted support for Ukraine is a key priority of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, told the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in their joint statements after their meeting in Kyiv.
During the 4 December statements, President Zelenskyy thanked Cyprus for its support in the negotiations for Ukraine’s EU accession and for voting in favour of the decision to use Russian funds for Ukraine.
“It is with feelings of honour and responsibility that I visit Kyiv today. I am here not only to express Cyprus’ solidarity and support, but also to personally honour you for the example of resilience that you show as the leader of your country, as well as the Ukrainian people in the face of a brutal and unprovoked invasion,” President Christodoulides said.
He noted that Ukraine's struggle defends universal principles and values that touch and involve everyone. “Principles and values which, as the upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, we will do everything possible to promote and safeguard,” he stated.
The President publicly reiterated that Cyprus, which has first-hand knowledge of what invasion, missing persons, refugees, and the violation of fundamental human rights mean, “stands by Ukraine, on the right side of history, and will continue to do so with consistency, credibility, and clear political will.”
He added that beyond discussing Cyprus–Ukraine bilateral relations and the prospects for further deepening them, the two Presidents talked about matters concerning the upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU.
“It is our shared intention to deepen and broaden our cooperation, also making use of the sizeable Ukrainian community in Cyprus. Some were already in Cyprus before the Russian invasion. Since the invasion, Cyprus has hosted around 25,000 Ukrainian refugees, a significant number considering Cyprus’ population,” he said.
He also noted that they had an honest and substantive discussion about developments in the war. “The President informed me about the current situation, as a result of the ongoing Russian invasion and its serious consequences,” he said.
Peace agreement
They also exchanged views on the international efforts underway to achieve a peace agreement. “In this context, I underlined the clear position of the Republic of Cyprus, which also reflects that of the EU, that any peace effort, any peace agreement, must be based on the principles of the UN Charter and the absolute respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
He stressed that any peace efforts must be promoted with the active participation of Ukraine itself and with the active participation of the EU. “After all, Ukraine’s security is directly linked with the EU’s security,” he pointed out.
President Christodoulides added that the EU has proven in practice that it stands by Ukraine. Referring to EU sanctions against Russia, he said these “would clearly be more effective if there were no states behaving as evasive neutrals. We must confront those states that exploit the tragedy the Ukrainian people are suffering to promote their own interests,” he said.
He also informed President Zelenskyy about developments in the Cyprus issue and the efforts to resume negotiations. “I want to publicly express gratitude for Ukraine’s steady support and solidarity in our efforts for the reunification of our country, for defending Cyprus’ territorial integrity and sovereignty. After all, Cyprus and Ukraine, the Cypriot and Ukrainian peoples, share common experiences and unfortunately know very well what military invasion and occupation mean,” he stressed.
The President assured President Zelenskyy that the Republic of Cyprus and the Cypriot people fully understand and empathize with what the Ukrainian people are experiencing. "Our voice joins yours, without exception, without ambiguity, in calling for absolute respect for international law, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the independence of all states.”
EU–Ukraine relationship
Furthermore, President Christodoulides said that an important part of his discussions with President Zelenskyy concerned the next steps in the EU–Ukraine relationship, ahead of Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU in 26 days.
“In a period where geopolitical pressures are increasing, Europe needs cohesion, unity, and determination, and the Republic of Cyprus is fully ready to contribute in that direction.” Within this context, he said, “continuing the EU’s multidimensional support for Ukraine is a key priority of the Cypriot Presidency.”
On the issue of EU enlargement, President Christodoulides said he firmly believes that enlargement is not simply a political choice for the EU, but above all a geopolitical necessity. “We must, and this is what we will do during our Presidency, promote the enlargement process, strengthening, among other things, our collective security and democratic resilience.” Specifically regarding Ukraine, he noted, “we will do whatever is necessary to maintain and strengthen the country’s European perspective on the EU agenda, reinforcing this momentum.”
Concluding and addressing President Zelenskyy, he said that Cyprus, a small country that joined the EU 22 years ago, in 2004, knows very well what it means to pursue a European course and perspective under geopolitical pressures and regional threats. “This experience, the experiences of the Cypriot people since 1974, the Turkish invasion, and the 51 years of ongoing occupation, compel us to be on the right side of history. They compel us to stand by you firmly, unwaveringly, institutionally, and politically, supporting your major effort to become a member of the EU.”
Sharing ideas and views
On his part, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking through an interpreter, said he was very happy to see President Christodoulides in Ukraine, especially shortly before Cyprus assumes the EU Council Presidency, a sign “of Cyprus’ support and assistance to Ukraine and of its willingness to work for the good of the EU."
“I am happy to see the President of Cyprus in Ukraine and to have the opportunity to share our ideas and views,” he noted.
He said the two Presidents discussed the European agenda in detail. “We talked about the events of the last four years, which indicate that we must show our response,” he said, noting that Ukraine gives unifying strength to the EU. “We will continue to act as a unifying point, with our desire to achieve peace,” he said.
He thanked Cyprus for its support in the negotiations for Ukraine’s EU accession. “We will have further progress” in this area, he said, expressing hope that Cyprus’ Council Presidency will be historic for this matter.
He added that they also discussed the sanctions policy against Russia. “The EU leaders are preparing a sanctions package, and this means we will continue our pressure against the Russian energy sector first and foremost. This will help us prevent the war from being prolonged,” he said.
He also noted that they discussed the need for Russia to pay for Ukraine’s reconstruction. “This is entirely natural. The money needed for Ukraine’s defense and recovery must come from the funds the Russian invader has in European banks,” he said.
He noted that Cyprus is one of the countries that voted in favour of the decision to return these funds to Ukraine. “We thank Cyprus for its support and count on its continued backing,” he said.
Finally, President Zelenskyy referred to people being held by Russia. “Up to now, Russia continues to hold several people. We are talking about the children taken to Russia. They are scattered in various parts of Russia and are being taught hatred toward Ukraine. We need the full support of the entire world on this issue,” he concluded.
(Source: CNA)
