The latest developments in the Cyprus problem and the Turkish provocations in Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), EU-Serbia relations, as well as issues related to the forthcoming European Council summit for the Western Balkans were among the issues discussed on Thursday, during the talks which delegations of Cyprus and Serbia had in Belgrade, where Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades is paying an official visit. 

According to a press release issued by the Presidency, President Anastasiades was welcomed at the Presidential Palace by the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić. An official ceremony followed, during which a military contingent paid honours. Then the national anthems of Cyprus and Serbia were performed and the two Presidents had a private meeting.  

The meeting was followed by expanded talks between delegations of the two countries, headed by the two Presidents. Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides, Government Spokesman Prodromos Prodromou and other officials attended the meeting as members of Cyprus' delegation.

The press release noted that the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and the Turkish provocations in Cyprus` EEZ, EU-Serbia relations, as well as issues related to the forthcoming European Council summit for the Western Balkans were among the issues discussed.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Repeated UN-led efforts to reunite the island have not yet yielded any results.

Nicosia is currently developing natural resources discovered within the Republic’s EEZ. Last February, Turkish warships blocked twice a vessel bound for drilling activities in Cyprus’ EEZ block 3 on behalf of Italian energy company ENI.