The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, stated that Spain firmly adheres to reaching a permanent and just solution to the Cyprus issue, based on UN resolutions, the principles of international law, and a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation, with guarantees for the security, peace, and well-being of citizens, adding that he will take the initiative to restart the dialogue between the parties.

Spain shall work in this direction during its EU Presidency, having the help of Cyprus. Cyprus can rely on that, said Mr. Sanchez, speaking through an interpreter, in his remarks after the talks held in Nicosia on Tuesday afternoon with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulidis. The said talks were held as part of Mr. Sanchez’s tour in EU member-states in view of the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2023.

O Πρόεδρος της Δημοκρατίας @Christodulides υποδέχεται στην Κύπρο τον Πρωθυπουργό της Ισπανίας @sanchezcastejon.
🇨🇾🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/VgnzMhP4ex

— Προεδρία της ΚΔ (@CYpresidency) April 4, 2023

For his part, President Christodoulidis stated that he had the opportunity to inform, following his attendance at the recent European Council, of the desire for a more enhanced and leading involvement of the European Union in the efforts to give an end to the impasse and restart talks for resolving the Cyprus issue.

He himself added that the role of the Presidency of the EU Council is important in such initiatives and in this light, mentioning that Spain’s very good relations with Turkey can also help this effort for more active, more effective EU involvement in efforts to resolve the impasse.

Therefore, they agreed to be in close coordination and agreement so as to achieve this goal, according to President Christodoulidis, who thanked the Spanish Prime Minister for Spain’s position regarding the Cyprus issue. In fact, he also outlined that Spain is particularly sensitive in matters concerning sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

During their talks, Christodoulidis and Sanchez discussed, among others, issues of mutual interest and issues that will concern the Spanish Presidency of the EU such as Energy, Immigration, and the Strategic Autonomy of the EU.

Also read: Cyprus | Candidacy to the Council of the International Maritime Organization